By NATALIE SACKET
Feature Editor
February is a month of love, which is why the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, The American Heart Association, Million Hearts and other similar organizations are teaming up to spread awareness this February about heart-healthy practices.
Million Hearts is a national mission intended to prevent 1 million heart attacks and strokes in America by 2017. To do this, the mission is encouraging Americans to keep track of their blood pressures, and if they’re high, to take measures to become more healthy. A health-conscious, enduring nation is the organization’s goal.
If tests reveal you possess a high blood pressure, Million Hearts recommends talking to your doctor about controlling blood pressure, quitting smoking, adding daily physical activity and eating healthier, cutting out high levels of sodium and salt.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is spreading their message for Heart Month, with the slogan, “Make Control Your Goal.” The mission of their message is to encourage all Americans to focus more on maintaining a healthy and consistent blood pressure level, preventing cardiovascular diseases.
The American Heart Association encourages healthy eating. The suggest that a healthy diet includes eating fruits, vegetables, beans, legumes, whole grains, fish and fat-free dairy products. The association recommends you limit sodium, saturated fats and red meats in order to maintain a healthier blood pressure. They also recommend becoming more active to promote a healthier lifestyle.
The American Heart Association reports that approximately 2,150 Americans die every day from cardiovascular diseases, heart attacks or strokes. This association, with numerous others, desire to reduce that number and help to create a healthier, more heart-conscious United States.