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.
This will be great information! My grandpa had a triple bypass a couple years ago, so it would be good to know if I should be watching for any signs, if it can be hereditary.
I had no idea that was the #1 birth defect. I love that you are bringing awareness and what a great deal for coaching!
I’m a CRNA and did cardiac anesthesia for many years! Great article!
I can remember the day when heart issues were not even on my radar. How quickly time flies. Suddenly, you wake up one day and realize it is something you need to think about.
So much information to learn from especially when it comes to heart health! Thank you!
It has always amazed me that the heart only rests between beats. It’s crazy to think that’s enough to keep pumping our whole lives!
My friend’s daughter was born with a congenital heart defect. I feel like we should hear much more about it than we do.
Agreed! There are so many kids and their families affected!
I think it is great to bring attention to this! Perfect Hearts for February!
Such an important topic for this month, and anytime really. Thanks for sharing!
We are wearing red this week!
Valentine’s Day and Heart Health are a perfect combination.
Great info. Essential!
A great reminder about the importance of heart health. I’m particularly intrigued by the story of the lab worker who became a cardiac surgery pioneer – sounds like that will be an interesting story I will want to read!
Had no idea heart defects are so common!
I love that we have a national heart month – it’s one of those really important issues that we need to be reminded of constantly.
Excellent information! Thank you for sharing!
Such great info and so important. heart disease is so common in America and it seems like no one talks about heart health! I didn’t know that is was the most common birth defect though.
As always, such great info!! We will be sure to keep the “heart” in mind as we celebrate “love” this month.
I really wish cardiologists would listen to their female patients more. I’ve had so many issues with MDs who didn’t listen while trying to catch an arrhythmia. A flutter was missed for months, until I saw an MD who listened to me.
Heart health is so important. My best friend’s husband passed away of a heart attack at 42. And my friend had a heart attack last week at age 42. And we’ve lost two other friends of heart attacks who were in their 40s. It’s the main reason we decided to go plant-based. We’d had enough and wanted to do anything we could to prevent heart disease.
Great info for people who may have a family history of heart problems.
It is great to bring heart issues to light. So often we just take things for granted until we have a problem. It is good to be proactive and be aware of the problem.
I had no idea congenital heart defects were so common. My daughter was born with Atrial Septal Defect. Thankfully it closed before she turned 1.
My father has A-Fib pretty bad as well as a possible hole in his heart – so this will all be valuable things to learn and look into!
I love all the quirky national days and months. I make use of them as a blogger! I wrote a post about heart health for my Journey With Healthy Me blog, when I learned that this month brings awareness to heart health and issues.