Recognizing American Heart Month 2022
The month of February is recognized each year as American Heart Month — a time during the year that encourages a focus on cardiovascular health, aka HEART HEALTH.
Heart health is important for everyone!
Many in our community have experienced previous heart issues, or were born with congenital heart defects, and others, due to underlying conditions or predispositions, may hold a higher risk of future cardiovascular conditions.
Understanding heart health is especially important now as we continue to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, and as we learn more about the relationship between COVID-19 and cardiovascular disease.
For parents and caregivers, who often experience both acute and chronic stress, Heart Month is also a timely reminder to schedule an annual wellness check-up.
Whoever you are, and whatever role you play in our community, I encourage you to take time during this month ahead to learn more about cardiovascular health, your personal risk factors and steps you can take to help reduce your risk of heart disease.
Quick Facts About Heart Disease:
- “Heart disease” can refer to several types of heart conditions, including coronary artery disease, the most common type of heart disease in the United States.
- Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States.
- Risk factors for heart disease include high blood pressure, high cholesterol and smoking.
- Some medical conditions, such as diabetes, can increase an individual’s risk of heart disease.
- There are steps you can take to promote heart-healthy living. (Click here to learn more!) While it is important to understand your own risk factors for heart disease, taking steps to improve your overall health, where possible, may reduce your risk of developing cardiovascular issues.
(Note: The above information is shared from the CDC.gov website.)
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Whitney Stohr is a Parent to Parent Coordinator at The Arc of Snohomish County. She is passionate about advocating for medically complex children and children with disabilities and their families. She is a mom and medical caregiver herself, who is energized by working closely with other parent/family caregivers. She lives with her four-year-old son Malachi and husband Jason in Lynnwood. Connect with her on Instagram @rollin.w.spinabifida. Contact: whitney@arcsno.org.