Subject
title
Proclamation Declaring February 2026, as American Heart Month in Rockville, Maryland
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Department
City Clerk/Director of Council Operations Office
Recommendation
Staff recommends Mayor and Council read, approve, and present the proclamation to Kenya Craven, Administrative Assistant, City of Rockville Department of Public Works.
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 from 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 or drug abuse have an increased likelihood of developing heart disease.
American Heart Month 2026
February is designated as American Heart Month, a time to raise awareness about heart health and the importance of preventing heart disease. In 2026, this month will focus on encouraging individuals to take proactive steps to protect their cardiovascular health.
Key Date
• National Wear Red Day: February 6, 2026. This day is dedicated to raising awareness about heart disease, particularly in women. Participants are encouraged to wear red and share information to highlight the impact of cardiovascular disease.
Importance of Heart Health
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, affecting men, women, and various racial and ethnic groups. In 2022, it accounted for one in every five deaths.
Tips for Heart Health
To promote heart health, consider the following lifestyle changes:
• Healthy Eating: Focus on a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
• Regular Exercise: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity each week.
• Sleep Quality: Prioritize 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night to support cardiovascular function.
• Avoid Smoking: Quitting smoking significantly reduces the risk of heart disease.
• Monitor Health Metrics: Keep track of blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and body weight to manage heart health effectively.
Get Involved
Participate in community events, share resources on social media, and engage in discussions about heart health. Use the hashtag #HeartMonth to spread awareness and encourage others to prioritize their heart health.
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 encourage women to listen to their hearts and speak up for their health.
The death rate from heart attacks rose significantly due to COVID-19, as many people’s routines changed due to quarantine, and working at home led to less exercise and healthy eating habits. It is especially important to shed light on important heart health information in a post-pandemic world.
5 Interesting Facts About Heart Health
1. Heart attacks can be silent
One in five heart attacks occurs 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.
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. Light exercise, such as walking 30 minutes for 6 days a week, can reduce the risk of a heart attack by 50%.
For more resources and information, follow your healthcare provider’s advice or visit
www.CDC.gov/HeartDisease <http://www.CDC.gov/HeartDisease>
Mayor and Council History
The Mayor and Council present this proclamation annually.
Public Notification and Engagement
This year, on the first Friday of February, February 6, 2026, the City of Rockville will join organizations around the country in raising awareness of heart disease by participating in National Wear Red Day. The City encourages its staff and residents to wear red to show their support in raising awareness about heart disease as the leading cause of death among Americans, especially women.