February is American Heart Month. And with the theme of all things love (Valentine’s Day, Cupid and all that wonderfully mushy stuff), what better way to celebrate than to love yourself?
One of the best ways we can love ourselves is to take care of our bodies – and this month, the focus is on the heart. The CDC has some interesting facts about heart disease:
Heart Disease is the Number One Cause of Death
About every 25 seconds, an American will have a coronary event.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States and is a major cause of disability. The most common heart disease in the United States is coronary heart disease, which often appears as a heart attack. In 2010, an estimated 785,000 Americans had a new coronary attack, and about 470,000 had a recurrent attack. About every 25 seconds, an American will have a coronary event, and about one every minute will die from one.
The chance of developing coronary heart disease can be reduced by taking steps to prevent and control factors that put people at greater risk. Additionally, knowing the signs and symptoms of heart attack are crucial to the most positive outcomes after having a heart attack. People who have survived a heart attack can also work to reduce their risk of another heart attack or a stroke in the future. For more information on heart disease and stroke, visit CDC's Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention.
Indeed, these are some eye-opening statistics. We all need to reduce our stress, eat healthier and be more active. However, as a mom, wife and business owner, I know first-hand how hard it can be for women to put themselves first. Some interesting info on women and heart disease:
Women and Heart Disease: Quick Facts
Although heart disease is sometimes thought of as a "man's disease," it is the leading cause of death for both women and men in the United States, and women account for nearly 50% of heart disease deaths.
In 2007, heart disease was the cause of death in 306,246 females.
Heart disease is often perceived as an "older woman's disease," and it is the leading cause of death among women aged 65 years and older. However, heart disease is the third leading cause of death among women aged 25–44 years and the second leading cause of death among women aged 45–64 years. Remember that many cases of heart disease can be prevented!
For more information and facts on women and heart disease, see the Women and Heart Disease Fact Sheet.
Here are some ways that we, as women and self-care advocates, can help spread the word and raise awareness and funds:
Women and Heart Disease Campaigns
Go Red for Women is the American Heart Association's nationwide movement that celebrates the energy, passion, and power women have to band together and wipe out heart disease. Thanks to the participation of millions of people across the country, the color red and the red dress have become linked with the ability all women have to improve their heart health and live stronger, longer lives.
The Hearth Truth Campaign is a national awareness campaign for women about heart disease. The campaign created and introduced the Red Dress as the national symbol for women and heart disease awareness in 2002 to deliver an urgent wakeup call to American women. The Red Dress alerts women of The Heart Truth message: "Heart Disease Doesn't Care What You Wear; It is the #1 Killer of Women."
For even more information, visit the American Heart Association online. How will you remember American Heart Month? And how do you stay healthy? Share your thoughts here!
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