Subject
title
Proclamation Declaring February 2024, as American Heart Month
end
Recommendation
Staff recommends Mayor and Council read and approve the proclamation.
Discussion
After suffering two previous heart attacks, President Lyndon B. Johnson declared February as American Heart Month in 1964. This month is a time to spotlight the millions of people who suffer heart issues in the country. Heart disease continues to be a leading cause of death in the United States and affects people of all genders, races, and ethnicities. Although it can impact anyone, people with risk factors such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, physical inactivity, obesity, tobacco use, or alcohol drug abuse have an increased likelihood of developing heart disease.
The month of February is a time when everyone should be taking the care they need and focusing on their cardiovascular health, especially women. In Maryland, as well as nationwide, heart disease remains the leading cause of death for women. The Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention (DHDSP) aims to shed light on this topic so women won’t experience delayed recognition, diagnosis, and treatment for cardiac events as well as encouraging women to listen to their hearts and speak up for their health.
It is especially important to shed light on heart health in a post-pandemic world. The death rate from heart attacks rose significantly due to COVID-19 and many people’s routines changed due to quarantine and working at home leading to less exercise and healthy eating habits.
• Swift action is needed after a heart attack because an artery could be blocked.
• Even non-fatal heart attacks can cause long-term health issues.
• Lifestyle changes can increase or decrease the risk of having a heart attack.
For more resources and information, follow your healthcare provider’s advice or visit
www.CDC.gov/HeartDisease <http://www.CDC.gov/HeartDisease>
5 Interesting Facts About Heart Health
1. Heart attacks can be silent
One in five heart attacks occur without the person even knowing they had one.
2. Heart attacks affect women differently
Women may experience different symptoms than men. These include pain in the back, arm, neck, or shoulder; nausea; fatigue; shortness of breath; and vomiting.
3. Young women are at higher risk than men
Women under the age of 50 are twice as likely to die of a heart attack as men in the same age group.
4. Mondays…
Heart attacks are more likely to occur on Monday mornings than on other days of the week. Scientists attribute this to the disruption in our circadian rhythm over the weekend which leads to increased blood pressure and other changes to the nervous system.
5. Diet soda raises heart attack risk
If you drink one or more diet sodas a day, your chances of having a heart attack are 43% higher than those who drink regular soda or none at all.
Here in Rockville, we encourage everyone to take steps to decrease the likelihood of heart-related issues. Know the risks so you can make lifestyle choices, eat a healthy diet, be physically active and keep up regular exercise, stay at a healthy weight for yourself, and check your blood pressure and cholesterol. Something as simple as walking 30 minutes for 6 days a week can reduce the risk of a heart attack by 50%.
Mayor and Council History
The Mayor and Council recognize American Heart Month annually.
Public Notification and Engagement
February is the awareness month for heart health in the United States, this year February 2nd, 2024, the first Friday in February is set aside as National Wear Red Day to raise awareness of heart disease. In the City of Rockville will be wearing red on February 7th.