Heart Month 2022
Heart Month 2022 - Passport to a Healthy Heart
February is American Heart Month. When we take care of #OurHearts as part of our self-care, we set an example for those around us to do the same. We can continue to encourage and support each other to get the word out about staying heart healthy!
During the month of February you can still partake in the following Heart Healthy activities:
- Outside activities - running, walking, hiking (remember to social distance)
- Cooking heart healthy meals as a family.
- Getting enough sleep
- Don't sit for too long at one time
National Wear Red Day - February 4, 2022
The first Friday in February (February 4) is National Wear Red Day. On this day, which is considered American Heart Month, everyone across the country dons the color red in order to raise and spread awareness in hopes to help eradicate heart disease and stroke in millions of women all over the nation. So put on your reddest red — whether it be a lipstick, a pair of pants, or your favorite hat — and paint the city red.
Check out this page for resources:
“American Heart Month” – The History
This year marks the 58th anniversary of American Heart Month. The annual celebration began in 1963 to encourage Americans to join the fight against heart disease.
In his remarks announcing February 1964 as the first American Heart Month, President Lyndon B. Johnson urged “the people of the United States to give heed to the nationwide problem of the heart and blood-vessel diseases, and to support the programs required to bring about its solution.” Johnson’s action marked a pivotal point in the nation’s approach to addressing cardiovascular disease.
Citation: Cardiology Magazine -The Evolution of American Heart Month Feb 23, 2017 | John Gordon Harold, MD, MACC
Heart Disease Statistics
Heart Disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women. It accounts for almost 1 in every 3 deaths worldwide each year. In the U.S., nearly half of adults already have some form of heart disease, but many people don’t know that most of the time healthy habits can prevent it.
Citation:JACC Read the full text of the 2019 Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease.
What Can YOU Do To Improve Your Heart Health?
The American Heart Association has defined ideal cardiovascular health based on seven risk factors
(Life's Simple 7) that people can improve through lifestyle changes:
Stop Smoking, Get Active, Lose Weight, Eat Better, Reduce Blood Sugar, Control Cholesterol, and Manage Blood Pressure.
- People with at least five ideal Life’s Simple 7 metrics had a 78% reduced risk for heart-related death compared to people with no ideal metrics. (Ford et al., 2012)
Learn more about Life’s Simple 7 https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-lifestyle/my-life-check--lifes-simple-7
*Always consult your health care provider when making lifestyle and exercise changes. They can work with you to develop a plan that is the right fit for you.
Getting care when and how you need it!
Routine Care – In person and virtual options
Confluence health offers in-person and virtual care visits to meet your needs
Click here to learn more about virtual visits
Emergencies - Heart attacks and Strokes don’t stop during a pandemic. Know the warning signs. Call 911! Getting care is critical.
Click here for Heart- Stroke flyer
Heart Disease and COVID-19 Vaccines
If you have a heart condition, you are more likely to get very sick from the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. To protect yourself and others, follow recommendations: Wear a mask, keep a safe distance from others and wash your hands. Click here for more information on the COVID-19 Vaccine in our area.
Cardiac Services in North Central Washington
Confluence Heath CWH – The only cardiac Level 1 Facility in the North Central Region (Chelan, Douglas, Grant, Okanogan) offering Comprehensive Cardiac Services
Click here for CH Cardiac Locations flyer.
Click here for 2020 Messages from the Heart - A Patient's Story
Stroke Awareness
To get care for stroke patients, BE FAST. See the signs? Call 911.
A stroke is a brain attack, caused when an artery in the brain is blocked or bursts — and part of the brain starts to die. Fast treatment is crucial for a better chance at survival with less disability. If you see one or more signs of stroke, BE FAST and call 911 immediately.
B: Is their balance or coordination off?
E: Do they have sudden vision change in one or both eyes?
F: Does their face droop on one side?
A: Do they have trouble raising one or both arms?
S: Do they have trouble speaking?
T: It’s time to call 911.
Overcome the urge to “wait and see” – call 911 to get the care they need. What a great way to say, “I love you.”
Learn more about the signs of stroke and why fast treatment is crucial at doh.wa.gov/stroke.
Key messaging:
Stroke is a “brain attack” Stroke is often called a “brain attack” because it affects the arteries leading to and within the brain. A stroke happens when an artery that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or ruptures. When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood and oxygen it needs and starts to die
- Every 40 seconds someone has a stroke. When considered separately from other cardiovascular diseases, stroke ranks No. 5 among all causes of death in the US, killing approximately 142,000 people a year
- The faster stroke is treated, the more likely the patient will recover. Patients who are treated within 90 minutes of their first symptoms are almost three times more likely to recover with little or no disability. On average, stroke patients who arrive by EMS are assessed and treated faster at the hospital than those who arrive in a private vehicle.
- High blood pressure is the leading cause of stroke and the most important controllable risk factor for stroke.
- 80% of strokes are preventable
Brain Health
Heart disease and high blood pressure can damage your brain’s health. • Get your blood pressure checked regularly. Work with your health care professional to control your blood pressure and protect your brain health. • Keep your blood pressure under control for a healthier body and brain. Risk factors for heart disease – including diabetes – can negatively affect your brain health. • Take care of both your heart and brain. Eat a healthy diet, control your weight, and exercise regularly.
Other Resources
- National Wear Red Day is February 4th 2022
- Wear red to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease and save lives. Because when we come together, there’s nothing we can’t do. https://www.goredforwomen.org/en/get-involved/give/wear-red-and-give
- Coping with stress during the pandemic:
- Mended Hearts
- AHA
