Earlier this month I wrote about the discovery of a blood clot in my heart. Fortunately, I knew the warning signs and was able to get medical treatment before I had a full-blown heart attack. That’s not the case for everyone.
Heart disease and stroke are the first and fourth leading causes of death in the United States.
Million Hearts, a national initiative by the US Department of Health & Human Services, has set an ambitious goal to prevent 1 million heart attacks and strokes by 2017. They are asking people to make a pledge:
- Prevent heart disease and stroke in your families by understanding the risks
- Know your ABCS—Appropriate Aspirin Therapy, Blood Pressure Control, Cholesterol Control, Smoking Cessation
- Get up and get active
- Fuel your body by eating a heart-healthy diet, high in fresh fruits and vegetables and low in sodium, saturated and trans fats, and cholesterol
- Take control of your heart health by following your doctor’s instructions for medications and treatment
A friend at the Hope Heart Institute told me about this challenge – it only takes a few minutes and is a great way to wrap up American Heart Month. Please join me in taking the pledge!
(There’s a promise of “kudos and a distinguished prize” for the blog that refers the most pledges in February. Let’s see if we can win!)
