February is National Heart Month and those young and old in communities across the Fox Valley have already joined forces with the Million Hearts Campaign.
Launched by the Department of Health and Human Services Department this grassroots initiative is designed to help prevent 1 million heart attacks and strokes over the next 5 years.
According to the Department of Health and Human Services heart attacks remain the number-one cause of death in the U.S. and strokes are not far behind taking the number fourth spot as cause of death.
“Million Hearts” will rely heavily on local communities to help promote their efforts. Those young and old, rich or poor can be affected by heart disease. Together there efforts will help save a million hearts.
Local hospitals have joined in the campaign by offering special events, screenings, and education and prevention efforts. Community groups have begun awareness campaigns and are promoting the project.
Northern Illinois Girl Scout Troop #393 took the pledge to help save a million hearts as they earned the “Women’s Health” badge. Girls in the troop discussed many women’s health related issues and made awareness posters to be put up in doctor’s offices and a local health insurance agency. They also committed to participate in National Go Red for Women’s Day which is February 3 and encourages others to “wear red” for women’s heart disease awareness. According to the World Heart Federation, heart disease is the number-one cause of death for women worldwide. The girls discussed actions to take to help prevent heart disease as part of their project.
Senior Citizen clubs are now hosting stroke and heart attack awareness campaigns to educate seniors and their loved ones the signs of stroke and heart disease as well the risk factors. An important element in saving a heart is that if you think you or someone you love has had a heart attack or stroke time is crucial. Know the signs and call 911 immediately.
Walgreens, the nation’s largest drugstore chain, based in Deerfield, Illinois has joined in the Million Hearts initiative’s prevention goal by providing blood pressure testing at no charge along with a consultation with a Walgreen’s pharmacist or Take Care Clinic Practitioner.
However you choose to join the campaign is up to you. Every little bit of awareness helps. Change your diet, talk to a loved one, start exercising, wear red, change your Facebook profile picture, or just be aware of the signs. These are all ways to join in the Million Hearts campaign and help save a heart. Visit the Million Heart website to officially take the pledge then go out and save a heart today!
Happy and Healthy, The Heather Way!
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