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.

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?