Each February is known as American Heart Month, and it’s a time to raise awareness on the disease that is the number one killer of Americans. This was started by President Lyndon B. Johnson, in 1964. President Johnson, like many Americans, had suffered a heart attack, and since that first proclamation in 1964, American presidents have continued the tradition.

Despite more than five decades of raising awareness on this issue, heart disease is still the number one killer of Americans. In fact, a 2019 report showed a 17.1 percent increase in the number of worldwide heart related deaths. The CDC estimates that nearly 700,000 people died from heart disease in 2020, which is 1 in every 6 deaths. It’s also estimated that heart disease costs the U.S. more than $200 billion each year for health care services, medications, and lost productivity when someone dies.

While these are grim statistics, make the commitment this month to start eating healthier, exercising, and quit smoking. Those three things can have such a big impact on your overall health, and they can significantly reduce your risk of heart disease and heart attacks. 

Learn more about the SCOA Wellness Program.