Page 74 - South Mississippi Living - February, 2020

Fe uary:
HEALTHY LIVING
American Heart Month
story and photos courtesy of the American Heart Association
During American Heart Month each February, the nation comes together, igniting a wave of red from coast
to coast. From landmarks to news anchors and neighborhoods to online communities, this annual groundswell unites millions of people for a common goal: the eradication of heart disease and stroke.
American Heart Month, a federally designated event, is an ideal time to remind Americans to focus on their hearts and encourage them to get
their families, friends and communities involved. The rst American Heart Month, which took place in February 1964, was proclaimed by President Lyndon B. Johnson via Proclamation 3566 on December 30, 1963.
While American Heart Month is a federally designated month in the United States, it’s important to realize that cardiovascular disease knows no borders.
Cardiovascular disease remains the leading global cause of death with more than 17.9 million deaths each year. That number is expected to rise to more than 23.6 million by 2030. On the Mississippi Gulf Coast, cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death, and stroke is the leading cause of disability.
During February, volunteers, survivors and supporters amplify the American Heart Association’s lifesaving message to keep awareness high and prompt action, including knowing your numbers and family history, recognizing the signs and symptoms of both a heart attack and stroke, learning CPR, making a healthy behavior change and more.
The campaign kicks o in earnest with National Wear Red Day, which this
year will fall on Friday, February 7. The American Heart Association encourages residents of the Mississippi Gulf Coast to get involved in the movement by
wearing red on February 7 in recognition of the day.
Why wear red? Heart disease is the number 1 killer of women, taking more lives than all forms of cancer combined. Someone you know and love may be a ected – at any age. Heart disease and stroke claim the lives of 1 in 3 women
– a third of our mothers, sisters and friends. It’s time to change this fact.
For more information on National Heart Month, National Wear Red Day, or the Go Red for Women movement, visit www.heart.org.
74 | February 2020
www.smliving.net | SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living
SAVE THE DATE
02.07.2020
NATIONAL WEAR RED DAY