• By Rebecca Thompson
• Posted Friday, February 1, 2013

Be One in a Million this American Heart Month

February is American Heart Month, and unfortunately, most of us know someone who has had heart disease or stroke. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. These conditions are also the leading causes of disability preventing people from working and enjoying family activities.

However, we can fight back against heart disease and stroke. The CDC and other parts of the US government have launched Million Hearts, to prevent the nation's leading killers and empowering everyone to make heart-healthy choices.

What is Million Hearts?
Launched in September 2011 by the Department of Health and Human Services, Million Hearts is a national initiative that aims to prevent 1 million heart attacks and strokes in the U.S. over the next five years.

What Million Hearts Means to You: Heart disease and stroke affects all of our lives, but we can all play a role in ending it. Prevention starts with everyone. Protect yourself and your loved ones from heart disease and stroke by understanding the risks and taking these steps.

• Challenge your family and friends to take the Million Hearts pledge at www.millionhearts.hhs.gov
• Get up and get active by being physically active for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week
• Know your ABCS
  • Ask your doctor if you should take an Aspirin every day.
  • Find out if you have high Blood pressure or Cholesterol, and if you do, get effective treatment.
  • If you Smoke, get help to quit.
• Make your calories count by eating a heart-healthy diet that is high in fresh fruits and vegetables, and low in sodium and trans fat.
• Take control of your heart health by following your doctor's prescription instructions.

Together, we can all be one in a million this Heart Month and every month. Learn more about Million Hearts.

This information is from www.cdc.gov.