The first Friday in February is National Wear Red Day, which is held annually to raise awareness of heart disease, the leading cause of death among Americans.
Common risk factors for heart disease include smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, physical inactivity, diabetes, family history of coronary heart disease and increased age.
You can protect your heart by taking steps to reduce your risks, such as:
• Not smoking;
• Eating a heart-healthy diet;
• Increasing physical activity;
• Knowing and controlling your heart health numbers, such as blood pressure, blood glucose and cholesterol;
• Getting quality sleep; and
• Reducing stress.
On Feb. 4, people can wear their favorite red clothing — and help make heart health a part of their self-care routine in 2022.
The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute’s website and the USPS Wellness LiteBlue page have more information on heart health.
This information does not constitute medical advice. Individuals should consult with their own medical providers.