February is American Heart Month, important because cardiovascular disease (CVD)—including heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure—is the number 1 killer of women and men in the United States. It is a leading cause of disability, preventing Americans from working and enjoying family activities. CVD costs the United States over $300 billion each year, including the cost of health care services, medications, and lost productivity.
A number of risk factors for CVD can be controlled, including:
- Diet
- Physical activity
- Tobacco use
- Obesity
- High blood pressure
- High blood cholesterol
- Diabetes
In addition to having an annual checkup and taking any prescribed medications, here are steps that the CDC advises for maintaining heart health, along with some tools to help.
- Monitor blood pressure
- Get cholesterol checked
- Eat Healthy
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Exercise regularly
- Don’t smoke
- Limit alcohol use
- Manage Diabetes
Here are some other helpful heart resources:
- Warning Signs of Heart Attack, Stroke & Cardiac Arrest
- Heart Attack Risk Assessment
- Spot a Stroke F.A.S.T. iPhone app
- Heart & Stroke Encyclopedia
- Interactive cardiovascular library.
- 28 Days to a Healthier Heart
Other Health Observances in the month of February
National Cancer Prevention Month
Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month
National Children’s Dental Health Month
National Cancer Prevention Month
February 1–7 African Heritage & Health Week
February 1-7 – Burn Awareness Week
February 14 – February 14 National Donor Day
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ESI EAP offers 24-7 access to counselors and a wide variety of support resources for employees and family members who are facing difficult health challenges. We also offer wellness benefits and health risk assessments, including discounts for weight loss programs, exercise and nutrition programs, and stop smoking programs. If you want to learn more about how ESI can provide more employee EAP benefits and more employer services, call us at 800-535-4841.