In celebration of American Heart Month, the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is urging residents to prioritize their heart health by adopting healthy habits. Heart disease is a leading cause of death in both the United States and South Carolina, with obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and smoking being major risk factors. Women are especially vulnerable to heart disease, with nearly 75% of women aged 20-39 having modifiable risk factors.
National Wear Red Day on February 7th, part of the “Go Red for Women” initiative by the American Heart Association, aims to raise awareness about the impact of heart disease and stroke on women. The initiative also highlights the increased risk women face for heart disease associated with pregnancy and menopause. Disparities exist in heart health outcomes, with African Americans facing a higher risk of heart disease compared to Whites in South Carolina.
Heart disease is preventable through healthy choices such as limiting alcohol, quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and managing cholesterol and blood pressure. DPH encourages South Carolinians to adopt at least one new heart-healthy habit this year. For more information on heart disease, visit the DPH’s Heart Disease webpage or cdc.gov/heart-disease/. This American Heart Month, take charge of your heart health and reduce your risk of heart disease by making positive lifestyle changes.
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