What Is American Heart Month?

Every minute, someone in the U.S. dies from a heart disease-related event. Every day, approximately 2,200 Americans die from heart disease and/or stroke. Every year, more than 900,000 people in the U.S. have a heart attack.

These shocking stats, courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), remind us just how important American Heart Month (aka American Heart Association Month) is.

Custom Printed Basil Mini Seed Paper - Heart Shape

The month-long initiative launches February 1, with National Wear Red Day. According to the American Heart Association, Wear Red Day is all about dispelling various myths about cardiovascular disease and women.

Beyond National Wear Red Day, American Heart Month is dedicated to empowering Americans to make nutritious and healthy choices, improving care for those who rely on treatment and preventing 1 million heart attacks and strokes by 2016′s end.

How will you help support the cause? American Heart Association giveaways are ideal because they spread the word and offer a long-lasting message.

What other ideas do you have for educating others about American Heart Month?

Today is National Eating Healthy Day!

Think about what you’ve eaten so far today. Did you make the best food choices possible? If not, now’s the time to turn it around because it’s National Eating Healthy Day!

National Eating Healthy Day is an awareness event that focuses on promoting a well-balanced eating pattern. According to ABC, the initiative “is dedicated to promoting and improving the health and wellness of all Americans.” The American Heart Associated-sponsored event also promotes making simple dietary adjustments to aid in weight loss and improved cardiovascular health.

Small steps like adding more fruits and veggies to your diet, choosing whole-grains and limiting oil use in cooking can make a big difference.

Businesses and organizations can show their support in many different ways. For example, Kenmore Mercy Hospital in Buffalo, N.Y. has vowed to shut down its fryers today to help improve its patients’ diets. According to Buffalo News, the medical center will also offer “more heart-healthy meals for its patients and in its cafeteria.”

Today is National Eating Healthy Day!

But here’s the thing about eating healthy: Doing it just once in a while won’t make a difference. That’s why distributing nutrition handouts is a brilliant idea. Recipients can refer to your giveaways well beyond National Eating Healthy Day, helping them to smart food choices all year long.