Every year, more than 600,000 Americans die from heart disease. Heart disease remains the most common cause of death for most populations, and it affects all ages, genders and ethnic groups.
February is the month of the heart, an annual opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of a healthy heart and promote healthy habits that reduce the risk of heart disease.
Dr. David Vance, Head of Interventional Cardiology at Spectrum Health, joins the morning mix to share how Spectrum Health celebrates this special month and how you can take care of heart health year-round.
President Lyndon B. Johnson was among millions of people in the country who suffered a heart attack. He issued the first proclamation in 1964. Since then, U.S. presidents have annually declared February the month of the American heart.
The American Heart Association offers three simple ideas that people can implement during February:
- Enjoy heart-healthy activities such as drinking water instead of soda or walking every day, and stick to it for a month. Taking a dog for a walk is a great opportunity to go outside and play sports.
- Learn – learn to lead a healthy lifestyle; find out how this can reduce the risk.
- Know your numbers by checking your cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar.
If you follow Spectrum Health on social media, you will be able to see several videos with experts on important topics that benefit heart health, such as:
- Vegetable dinner
- Cardiac rehabilitation and prevention
- The relevance of education in hypertension
They will hold some other fun activities, such as turning the Blue Bridge on Michigan Street into red during Birthday Heart (February 7-12) and wearing red on Fridays in memory of Go Red for Women.
Medical Moment is sponsored by Spectrum Health.