February is American Heart Month

Ada, MN — February is American Heart Month, a month dedicated to encouraging Americans to live healthier and happier lives to reduce heart disease. According to the CDC, about 659,000 people in the United States die from heart disease each year. That roughly 1 out of every 4 deaths! Risk factors for heart disease include diabetes, overweight and obesity, unhealthy diets, lack of physical activity, and use of alcohol and tobacco. Tracy Johnson of Norman-Mahnomen Public Health encourages people to start making small changes in our lifestyle to reduce the likelihood of heart disease.

As part of American Heart Month, this Friday, February 4^th is National Wear Red Day, which is intended to raise awareness about heart disease specifically in women. Heart disease is the number one health related killer in women, causing 1 of 3 deaths every year.