As we wrap up our first full week of February, Senior Marketing Specialists wants to share the significance of this month with you. February is American Heart Month. While it’s easy to see a cute connection between Valentine’s Day and heart health, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death among American men and women (Million Hearts). This statistic is less than amusing. But we can change that! The solution starts with you educating your clients about American Heart Month and providing them with informative resources. Don’t know where to start? We’ve gathered all the information you’ll need.

What is American Heart Month?

Since the first American Heart Month in 1964, February has been dedicated to lowering the number of American deaths due to cardiovascular disease. Multiple organizations work tirelessly year-round to promote heart health , but their efforts are always in full force come February. From charity events to educational programs, the country lights up with lifestyle tips, statistics, and stories.

Why is American Heart Month Important?

Heart month is important, especially for older adults, because it raises awareness about the risks and symptoms associated with heart disease and other cardiovascular health issues. According to healthfinder.gov, heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. Every year, 1 in 4 deaths are caused by heart disease. That’s about 610,000 Americans. Because of the great affect heart disease has on the United States, it’s no wonder we have an entire month dedicated to educating citizens about it.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. Every year, 1 in 4 deaths are caused by heart disease.

While many understand the devastation that can come from heart disease, there are still misconceptions about which habits negatively affect the heart. The American Heart Association makes this clear with what they call Life’s Simple 7. The program focuses on improving 7 areas of an individual’s life that have a direct impact on heart health.

Life’s Simple 7

Manage Blood Pressure

Control Cholesterol

Reduce Blood Sugar

Get Active

Eat Better

Lose Weight

Stop Smoking

Getting behind the American Heart Month initiative gives you an opportunity to educate yourself, your family, and your clients about holistic heart health. This is what clients value the most. They appreciate your customer service, they are happy with their policies, but when you teach them something new? Well, that’s when they truly know you care. So trust us when we say American Heart Month is important. Important to your loved ones and important to your business.

How Can I Spread the Word About American Heart Month?

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has several ideas about spreading the word that we at Senior Marketing Specialists also love!

In Your Newsletter

Use this sample message from healthfinder.gov to include heart healthy tips and a local perspective to your quarterly newsletter. Don’t have a newsletter? Order the Spring edition from our Agent Marketing Portfolio program! It also focuses on heart health.

On Social Media

Reach more people by tweeting or posting on Facebook. Follow the American Heart Association and other organizations. Simply share their posts or come up with your own! Not sure about social media, let us know! We’re happy to help you get started.

Host an Event

This can be as small or as large as you wish. Maybe you want to throw an awareness carnival. Perhaps a seminar is more your style. It could be you wish to focus solely on your office staff. What ever you choose, use these ideas to get you going!

While it’s impossible for one person to change the impact of cardiovascular disease, every person helping to educate others absolutely makes a difference. So, do some research, talk with your family, and promote American Heart Month to your clients. Be the solution.