February is American Hearth Month, a time to remind Americans to focus on their hearts and encourage them to get their families, friends and communities involved. Despite increases in awareness over the past decades, only about half (56%) of women recognize that heart disease is their number 1 killer.¹

What is American Heart Month? It is a time to raise awareness about the serious dangers of heart disease and help people work to reduce their risk of heart attack, stroke and other related complications.

The American Heart Association promotes its wide array of resources and partnerships to provide people with tools to reduce high blood pressure, stress, help them eat better, exercise and other key changes to improve and maintain heart health.

On the first Friday of every February, which is designated as American Heart Month, the nation comes together, igniting a wave of red from coast to coast. From landmarks to news anchors and neighborhoods to online communities, this annual groundswell unites millions of people for a common goal: the eradication of heart disease and stroke.

Go Red for Women® is the American Heart Association’s global initiative to end heart disease and stroke in women. Launched in 2004 to close the gap in awareness, Go Red quickly expanded into a worldwide movement dedicated to removing the barriers women face to achieving good health and well being.

At Eloquest Healthcare, we put an emphasis on giving back to the community. It is something that we do as an organized team and we encourage our employees to do as individuals in their communities. As part of our corporate giving initiative, this month we are fund raising in support of the American Heart Association and their dedication to advancing research and providing resources and tools to have healthier hearts and happier lives.

Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women, killing more women than all forms of cancer combined. Learn what it means to Go Red For Women to help women like you fight back:

G: GET YOUR NUMBERS

Ask your doctor to check your blood pressure and cholesterol.

O: OWN YOUR LIFESTYLE

Stop smoking, lose weight, exercise, and eat healthy.

It’s up to you. No one can do it for you.

R: REALIZE YOUR RISK

We think it won’t happen to us, but heart disease kills one of three women.

E: EDUCATE YOUR FAMILY

Make healthy food choices for you and your family.

Teach your kids the importance of staying active.

D: DON’T BE SILENT

Tell every woman you know that heart disease is our No. 1 killer.

Medical advancements continue to improve treatment options for those who have experienced heart disease. Medical procedures to treat heart conditions are more precise, using less invasive techniques with fewer complications and faster recovery times. Additionally, new medications have been developed to more effectively treat high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes, all conditions that contribute to an increased risk of heart disease.

We commend the dedicated healthcare professionals, physical therapists, counselors, volunteers, and educators who make a positive impact in the lives of those battling heart disease and undergoing cardiac rehabilitation.

If you are interested in contributing to the American Heart Association and American Heart Month, visit the Eloquest Team Fundraiser page here.

1. Women and Heart Disease. January 20, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/women.htm