February is American Heart Month and Dr. Julio Santiago with Solvera Health in Galesburg explains the origin and continuation of focusing on our heart health.
“Over the past 100 years, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, they noted that heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. As time passed, in 1964, you may remember President Lyndon B. Johnson proclaimed February as American Heart Health to bring to the community and awareness of taking good care of their heart.”
During American Heart Month, organizations such as the American Heart Association and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) host events, provide educational materials, and promote healthy lifestyle habits such as:
Self-care is heart-health care. Practicing self-care can keep our hearts healthy. Being physically active, eating healthier foods, getting enough sleep, not smoking, and finding healthy ways to reduce stress can help prevent heart disease.
