Google hard enough, and you can find a "celebration" for each and every day of the year. National Peanut Butter Day (Jan. 24th). National Food Day (Oct. 24th). National Submarine Day (Apr. 11th). Of course, there are National Month proclamations. National Caregivers Month (November). Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October). One of our favorites is in February - Heart Month. While everyone knows that February 14th is St. Valentines' Day, but did you also know it is Congenital Heart Defect Day? Keep reading to find out why February is an important month to focus on all things heart related.
American Heart Month
Since February is usually surrounded by hearts and the color red, it is only fitting that American Heart Month is celebrated right along with St Valentine's Day! Take the time this February to learn about your own heart health!
The NIH (National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute) has a wealth of resources on helping bring awareness to heart health. This month, they are pushing the social media message that #OurHearts are so important, and there are so many ways we can start to make a difference to not only improve our own heart health, but also those around us. Be sure to follow them along as well, to learn important steps you can take year round.
Heart disease affects over 15 million in the United States, and can often be prevented.
Why is heart disease so important to discuss?
Your heart is your powerhouse! That one organ works round the clock, 24/7, pumping blood throughout your body so that every single cell gets the nutrients and oxygen it needs! Each day, your heart beats about 100,000 times.
Because of this, there are things we always need to keep an eye on. Knowing important what to look out for (high blood pressure, heart healthy lifestyle choices) and when to see a doctor (signs for heart attack, aortic health concerns, irregular heart beats) are all things your primary provider can discuss with you during your yearly check-up.
Number One Birth Defect
Did you know, that 1 out of 100 babies born has a congenital heart defect? This makes it the number one birth defect, yet many are unaware that so many are affected.
Next week, on our social media pages, we will be talking about all things related to CHD. Statistics. Surgery. Common and not-so-common defects impact so many lives.
One of the most important post we plan to share next week blends our celebration of Black History Month with Congenital Heart Defects. Learn about Vivian Thomas, a laboratory supervisor, without any education past high school, became a cardiac surgery pioneer to treat "blue baby syndrome". He went on to supervise the surgical laboratories at Johns Hopkins for 35 years, and was awarded an honorary doctorate in 1976.
We also plan to share some ways you can help with research as well as resources for parents (and kids!) living with a congenital heart defect. The most important message for everyone is that while many defects can be repaired, they are never cured. So don't miss out. Starting on February 7th, the first day of Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week, we will be packed full of information on all things kids CHD related. Don't miss out!
Social Media Posts
All month we will be highlighting heart month on our Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook page. Learn a little something each day such as blood pressure tips, signs for heart attack or stroke, women's heart health, and more.
Take the time this February to learn about all things heart related. It is so important to be aware of what you can do to optimize your heart health. We can help if you have questions.
Since heart health is so important, we wanted to take a moment to give our followers our special this month - 50% off our Coaching Services. Remember, our consultation is always FREE, so if you have questions regarding anything (no need to be heart related!) reach out and contact us today.
