February Is American Heart Month | The Prescription Shop


Since 1964, February has been designated as American Heart Month. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cardiovascular disease, such as heart disease and stroke, is the leading cause of death across the globe. The Prescription Shop has gathered some facts for you to review this month, along with some tips to help you love your heart this February.

Quick Facts About Cardiovascular Disease:

  • As of 2014, nearly 221 people per every 100,000 die from cardiovascular disease.

  • About 2,200 people die daily from cardiovascular disease, or about 1 person every 40 seconds.

  • One person in the US also has a stroke every 40 seconds. That’s about 795,000 incidents of stroke every year.

  • One person in the US dies from stroke every 4 minutes, or about 1 of every 20 deaths in the country.

  • Based on the updated guidelines for healthy blood pressure, nearly half (46%) of American adults now have hypertension.

  • According to the CDC, 95 million American adults age 20 or older have high cholesterol–total cholesterol levels greater than 200 mg/dL.

  • 1 in three American adults have high blood sugar–and many do not know it.

  • An estimated 42 million American adults are current smokers.

This February, take on a few simple and heart healthy tips.

Eat healthy fats, and avoid trans fats.
Be sure to read the labels on all foods you buy. Make a point to eat 0% trans fat. Prioritize heart healthy fats from fish, nuts or seeds, and avocado.

Practice proper dental hygiene.
Individuals with gum disease frequently have an increased risk factor for heart disease. Experts recommend that you floss and brush daily to prevent gum disease.

Get enough sleep.
Adults who get less sleep tend to be at a greater risk for heart attack and stroke. Aim to get 7 to 8 hours of sleep most nights.

Break up your sedentary periods.
Find ways to sneak more activity into your day. Consider parking further away from your workplace, taking short walks throughout the day, and exercise 20 to 30 minutes most days.

Avoid secondhand smoke.
Studies have repeatedly shown that those exposed to secondhand smoke at home or work have a higher risk of heart disease. Tell smokers you do not want to be around their smoke—and keep children away from secondhand smoke at all times.

Are you ready to love your heart this month? Let The Prescription Shop help you. From convenient services like online refills and prescription delivery, we make healthy habits easier. We can even help you get a better nights sleep with Noctoplex, a drug-free and non habit-forming sleep aid. Stop by this week and let us help you!