Each February, the United States observes American Heart Month to raise awareness about heart disease and encourage steps toward a healthier lifestyle. This month focuses on spreading knowledge about heart health, the risk factors for heart disease, and the ways people can prevent it by making informed lifestyle choices. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the country, so dedicating an entire month to this cause emphasizes the urgency of taking heart health seriously. American Heart Month is an opportunity to remind yourself and others about the importance of heart health. Small changes can make a significant difference, and by participating, you’re contributing to a healthier future.
Background of American Heart Month
American Heart Month was first proclaimed in 1964 by President Lyndon B. Johnson, a move inspired by increasing rates of heart disease in the country. Over the years, it has evolved into a national effort to educate people on heart disease prevention. The American Heart Association (AHA) plays a significant role in promoting this month, helping people understand risk factors like high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and smoking. With the rise of modern conveniences and more sedentary lifestyles, focusing on heart health has only become more critical. By dedicating February to heart health awareness, organizations and individuals join forces to encourage healthier choices that ultimately support lifelong wellness.
When is American Heart Month Celebrated?
American Heart Month is observed every February, a time filled with resources, events, and campaigns that encourage people to prioritize their heart health. Marking your calendar can help you stay on track with health goals and take part in community efforts focused on spreading heart health awareness. Here’s when American Heart Month will be observed in the coming years:
| Year | Month |
|---|---|
| 2025 | February |
| 2026 | February |
| 2027 | February |
| 2028 | February |
| 2029 | February |
| 2030 | February |
Ways to Celebrate American Heart Month
There are many practical steps you can take to honor American Heart Month and support your heart health:
- Schedule a Checkup: Make an appointment to check your blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose levels. Understanding these numbers can give you insights into your heart health and help you make necessary adjustments.
- Add Heart-Healthy Foods: Incorporate more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins into your diet. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon and walnuts, are particularly beneficial for heart health.
- Exercise Regularly: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week. Walking, cycling, or even taking dance classes can contribute to a healthier heart.
- Reduce Stress: Stress management is a powerful tool for heart health. Try meditation, breathing exercises, or taking time for hobbies you enjoy to reduce stress levels.
- Share Your Progress: Use hashtags like #AmericanHeartMonth on social media to join the conversation, share heart health tips, and inspire others to take care of their hearts.
Before You Go:
We have many more national days lists for you to explore.
- Food-related national days: complete list of national food days, pasta & noodles days, vegan & vegetarian days, mushroom days, ice-cream days, pizza days, coffee days, chocolate days, wine days, alcohol & drinking days.
- Non-food national days: National Days Calendars 2024-2025 (check out the printable calendars in my Etsy shop), National Days for Teachers, and a wide array of special lists such as cat days, dog days, animal days, cleaning & organizing days, book days, music days, family & relationships days, national days for women, stationery days and even Harry Potter days.
- Country-specific national days: Australian national days, more coming soon.
