American Heart Month

On February 3rd, 2017, President Donald J. Trump declared that February was American Heart Month. Conveniently, the 3rd of February was National Wear Red Day which is dedicated to raising awareness about heart disease. February is no longer just the month of love.

American Heart Month promotes a healthy lifestyle and a lifetime of heart health- the American Heart Association is an immense supporter and sponsor.

The significance of February, when regarding health, mirrors the ideologies of Century High School’s club, SHAC.

“The Student Health Advisory Club aspires to spread awareness to students regarding their mental and physical health and how they can deal with obstacles that may come,” stated SHAC member Jacqueline Nguyen.

The club strives to help improve the health of Century High School’s students. The club hosts “SHAC talks” to help promote the importance of health to their peers. Their reach even came in the form of stress “survival kits” during finals week.

Health should be a top priority, as both SHAC and the Center for Disease Control express.

According to the CDC, heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States- it accounts for one-fourth of total deaths.

40% of the African American population have high blood pressure, the leading cause for heart disease. African American men, especially in the southeast region of the United States, are at the highest risk.

Though, unlike most medical conditions, heart disease can be prevented.

The most common risk factors for heart disease are high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, physical inactivity, and an unhealthy diet. One-half of Americans have at least one risk factor.

Many of these risk factors can be developed in the first ten years of life.

In the wake of this, the CDC provides techniques to improve your heart health. Techniques include scheduling an appointment with a doctor to discuss the health of your heart, adding exercise to your daily routine, increasing the amount of healthy foods you are eating, taking steps to quit smoking, and taking all medications as prescribed.

Throughout the month of February the American Heart Association hosted Twitter chats to raise awareness about the repercussions of heart disease. One aired today, February 24th, on Twitter- celebrities, including Queen Latifah, have taken the opportunity to get involved.

“Life is why” and “Knowledge is power” are ideas showcased in these chats.

While February 14th is predominantly known for being Valentine’s Day, it also promotes physical health- it’s National Organ Donor Day.

Currently, 120,000 people are on a waiting list to receive a life-saving transplant (Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network). According to the Department of Motor Vehicles, 3,000 of these patients are on Oregon and Washington’s transplantation list.

Every ten minutes an additional person is added and every day twenty-two people die. One donor can save up to eight lives.

An individual can donate an organ at any age at no cost. Even if an organ isn't working to its fullest extent, it doesn’t mean it is of no use. An individual can register to become an organ donor at the DMV or at organdonor.gov.

“Being healthy is important because it can lead to a very long and prosperous future. If you are physically healthy you will have a lesser chance of getting a disease,” stated Nguyen.

That is a fact.

Heart disease poses a serious threat to the population of the United States. By encouraging healthy eating and exercise, taking steps to quit smoking, and using medications as prescribed, your risk of heart disease dramatically decreases.

By concentrating on your own health, you have the opportunity to save anothers.