February is American Heart Month
This February, improve your heart health through HealthStreet’s referrals medical and social services and opportunities for health research!
Heart disease is the leading cause of death among both men and women, according to The American Heart Association.
- In the United States, someone dies from heart disease about once every 84 seconds.
- Heart disease is responsible for 1 in 7 deaths nationwide.
- Cardiovascular diseases are responsible for more deaths than all forms of cancer combined.
- About 85.6 million Americans live with some form of heart disease or stroke after-effects.
- About 750,000 Americans have heart attacks each year, and about 15.5 percent result in death.
Heart problems are also one of the top five health concerns of HealthStreet members.
Certain healthy changes can be made to lower the risk of developing heart disease. The American Heart Association suggests people:
- Quit smoking
- Control weight
- Control cholesterol and blood pressure
- Get active
- Eat healthy and control blood sugar
- Drink alcohol only in moderation
Improve Your Heart Health Through HealthStreet’s Medical and Social Services and Opportunities for Health Research
- HealthStreet offers free blood pressure and weight screenings to its members. HealthStreet also teaches classes on nutrition and cooking, yoga and smoking cessation. Dates for these classes can be found on the HealthStreet Calendar.
- Additionally, several UF studies deal with cardiovascular disease. Contact Lauren Light at laurenmlight@ufl.edu about studies or other resources.