February is American Heart Month, which serves as a reminder that cardiovascular disease is the number one threat to the lives of men and women in the United States. As a heart disease survivor, it's my mission to help you live heart smart! There are a number of events and challenges this month to help you raise awareness of heart disease and take steps to be heart healthy.
Did you know that heart disease is the number one killer of women? More women die of heart disease than all forms of cancer combined, but only 44% of women recognize that cardiovascular disease is their greatest health threat. Wear red this Friday, February 7 to raise awareness of heart disease in women. Share a photo on social media on Friday of you wearing red. Tag us (@fireflycommunity on Instagram and @fireflyyogacommunity on Facebook) and use #WearRedDay and #HeartMonth.
Partcipate in Firefly's Heart Healthy Challenge February 9 to 22. You can sign up here to get the calendar of heart healthy actions to take over this 14-day period. Because your heart health isn't just about physical heath, the challenge includes actions to help address your mental and spiritual health as well.
Each year, more than 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside of the hospital in the U.S. (about 70% of those happen at home) – and 90% of these are fatal. CPR, especially if performed immediately, could double or triple a person’s chance of survival. You could save someone's life if you know and apply CPR. Find a CPR class by visiting this website.
I'll be speaking about my experience of surviving a heart attack at 31 years old, understanding your risk factors and signs and symptoms of heart attack (which can differ in men and women), and how I've changed my life to be more heart healthy on the HER Podcast on Saturday, February 15. I'll share links to the conversation as soon as they are available.
In honor of Heart Month, I'll be writing a more indepth article about the risk factors of heart disease and why you don't have to be a victim of your genetics later this month. To access the article, become a paid member of Firefly Community. You can choose a monthly or annual plan. Scroll down on the home page to sign up.
I hope you'll join me in spreading the word about heart disease, and taking steps to protect your heart health this month and beyond.
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