The American Heart Association Shares What American Heart Month is All About

February is American Heart Month! This year, the American Heart Association (AHA) is showing you how to “Reclaim Your Rhythm” all month long. With that comes the American Heart Association’s 2022 Central Valley Go Red for Women campaign, which raises awareness about cardiovascular disease and stroke, helping to save countless lives. As this year’s chair, Alyssa Armesto, General Manager of Tangram Interiors, is the face of what reclaiming your rhythm means in anticipation of National Wear Red Day, held on Friday, February 4th. Everyone from local radio and TV personalities join in, and local landmarks even shine their lights red in support. Considering that heart-related diseases are the leading cause of death in the United States, it’s time for a little heart-to-heart about heart health. Losing even one woman to cardiovascular disease is too many, so visit www.goredforwomen.org to learn what you can do, and remember to wear red!

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LB What does AHA aim to change about cardiovascular disease in the United States?

AA Every person deserves the opportunity for a full, healthy life. I love this statement from the American Heart Association, whose mission is to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. As champions for health equity, we’ve set a goal to advance cardiovascular health for all, including identifying and removing barriers to health care access and quality, by 2024. The long-term goal is to end heart disease and stroke.

LB How does this year’s “Reclaim Your Rhythm” theme speak to and acknowledge current times?

AA Let’s face it, it’s been a rough two years. Even those focused on health have let a few things slip and lost their rhythm. But that doesn’t need to be the end of the story. Reclaim Your Rhythm encourages all of us to reclaim control of mental and physical well-being. Think of an action you can take that works for your life, to give you the best chance at life. And support others who are doing the same.

LB Tell us about the role music plays in the theme.

AA Music is a universal language that connects us, brings the good vibes, the movement, the flow. Each of us has a song that gives you that feel good feeling, makes you turn up the volume and get on your feet. Those songs can be the inspiration to get back on beat and feeling that rhythm.

The America Heart Association’s 2022 Central Valley Go Red for Women campaign chair Alyssa Armesto, General Manager of Tangram Interiors.

LB How can the community take control of their heart health?

AA Here are just a few examples of how you can reclaim your health:

Doing at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity a week (or, just getting started and working your way there!)
Preparing a healthy meal
Learning Hands-Only CPR
Quitting smoking or vaping
Scheduling an annual wellness visit
Learning your key health numbers: blood sugar, cholesterol, body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure
Finding ways to relax and ease your mind, such as starting a meditation practice

LB Why is preventative action so vital in the war against cardiovascular diseases?

AA Heart disease and stroke are our No. 1 killer. But a majority of cardiac and stroke events can be prevented through education and lifestyle changes such as moving more, eating smart and managing blood pressure. It’s encouraging to know that we all have the power to take action and reduce our risk of heart disease and stroke.

LB How can people and businesses Go Red for Women?

AA National Wear Red Day® is the Go Red for Women® movement’s icon day to raise awareness of heart disease and stroke in women. Everyone in the Central Valley is invited to add a touch of red to their outfit and share why they are doing so. From landmarks to online communities, neighborhoods to news anchors, this annual groundswell unites millions of people for a common goal: the eradication of heart disease and stroke.

LB What are some ways that red-wearers can initiate conversation about the awareness for which they are advocating?

AA Wearing red and sharing is critical to raising awareness.

If you’re active on social media, share a red selfie and include a fact about women and heart disease. Join the online conversation using #CentralValleyGoesRed and #WearRedDay
Share information with co-workers utilizing your company’s intranet or internal chat. By simply dropping a heart health fact, you are raising awareness.
Reach out to friend or family member and tell them a tidbit about heart disease and stroke. Added bonus for family conversations – close relatives what they know about your family health history. It could be information that saves your life.

LB Why is it so important to participate in Wear Red Day?

AA Heart disease and stroke are the No. 1 killer of women. They claim more women’s lives than all forms of cancer combined. Women, especially Black and Hispanic women, are disproportionally impacted and research shows heart attacks are on the rise in younger women. Gen Z and Millennials are less likely to be aware of their greatest health threat, including knowing the warning signs of heart attacks and strokes. All these reasons are important reasons to participate and raise awareness. Go Red for Women believes losing even one woman to heart disease and stroke is too many.