February is the month of hearts – and not just the valentine kind.
Since 1963, February has been designated American Heart Month to raise awareness of the devastating effects of heart disease on Americans. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Nearly every 25 seconds, someone in the United States will have a coronary event, and one person every minute will die from one.
To help people learn about heart health, and to share the latest information that can save lives, UAB Heart and Vascular Services will kick off a series of Heart Month events at UAB Hospital on Friday, Feb. 1, with Wear Red Day – established to support the fight against heart disease in women.
Throughout the remainder of the month, there will be events and free screenings on the second floor of the North Pavilion of UAB Hospital. These include:
- 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 7: Get Moving! Discuss exercise plans and walking trails; free athletic socks and free blood pressure screenings.
- 8 a.m.-2 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 12 and Wednesday, Feb. 13: Get free information and giveaways.
- 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 14: Get Educated! Learn the risks and health behaviors associated with hypertension and hearth health; free coffee mugs and free blood pressure screenings.
- 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 21: Get Life’s Simple 7! Learn the American Heart Association’s “7 Simple Steps to Live Better;” free backpacks and free blood pressure screenings.
- 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 28: Heart Healthy Cooking featuring UAB Hospital’s Chef Doug Allen and UAB interventional cardiologist Mark Sasse, M.D. Sample some heart-healthy dishes and receive printed copies of the recipes; free blood pressure screenings.
For more information on any of UAB’s Heart Month activities, visit www.uabmedicine.org/heartmonth.
