4 GREAT WAYS TO SUPPORT AMERICAN

HEART MONTH

February is American Heart Month, and it's important that people get the word out! According to the CDC [1], Heart Disease is the leading cause of death in the country, and much of this stems from habits that can be prevented. For instance, many Americans work at sedentary jobs, eat bad things and too much of them, and don't exercise enough. One of the best ways to combat this is to raise awareness so that people know the risks and alter their behavior. Here are some of the best ways to spread the word:

Advertise It!

Advertise It!By wearing red accessories during the month of February, you can get people asking about what you're supporting. Red ribbon pins are always a good option, as it's evident that you are actually trying to make a statement with them. Other good options include things like embroidered patches and paracord bracelets. Wear them to work, out shopping, and anywhere you like to maximize your message.

Hold an Event Whether you organize a walk, encourage everyone at your job to wear red on a certain day, or throw a luncheon, the awareness and potential funds that you may raise are worth the effort. A walk or other athletic event is particularly apropos, since it gets people moving – which is the entire objective. Large, outdoor events also attract more public attention. If it makes sense, see if you can contact the media about your event and get them to do a story; the more exposure the better!

Get Checked out A trip to the doctor is a good idea, especially if you haven't been in while. Younger people have been getting heart disease more often recently due to their lack of physical activity and their eating habits, so don't assume that you're fine. In addition, encourage family and friends to get checked out. The more people that are checked, the more will be forewarned of any potential heart problems and be able to take appropriate and timely action.

Reward Employees for Healthy Living

If you work at an office, try to convince management to institute a rewards system for healthy living. For instance, they could offer workers bonuses or perks for using the gym at work or for a certain number of steps on a Fitbit. Also, suggest other measures like gym membership discounts, walking path markers in the office, and free healthy snacks for everyone on a regular basis.[1]