Our Hearts are Healthier Together--Join NHLBI in Celebrating American Heart Month

American Heart Month is almost here, and this February the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute’s (NHLBI) The Heart Truth® program is encouraging people across the country to reduce their risk for heart disease. A healthy lifestyle that includes regular physical activity, smart eating, maintaining a good weight, and not smoking, can substantially lower your risk of heart disease and stroke. This year’s theme — “Our hearts are healthier together”— encourages Americans to join with others to make lifestyle changes that are heart-healthy and long-lasting. Research has shown that having strong social support can make it easier to stay motivated and reach your fitness and nutrition goals.  During American Heart Month, NHLBI is encouraging everyone to use #OurHearts on social media to share what you and your friends, family, and coworkers are doing to get heart healthy together. Visit www.nhlbi.nih.gov/ourhearts to be inspired by the activities of others around the country. Want more?  Visit the NHLBI’s Heart Month web page –-- to find the Our Hearts Digital Toolkit that contains new educational resources that can  help you and your organization raise awareness about heart disease and heart healthy lifestyles. The toolkit contains fact sheets, social media content, web banners, drop-in articles, PowerPoint slides, info cards, and much more. #OurHearts are social:  Each week in February will have a specific theme that celebrates the strength of working together to be heart healthy. You are encouraged to participate on social media using #OurHearts to share information. The weekly themes are: ♥ February 1: #WearRedDay. Remember to raise awareness about heart disease by wearing red on National Wear Read Day. Share your red on social media. ♥ February 4 – 10: #OurHearts at Work.  How do you and your co-workers find ways to move more and eat healthier at work?  Share your tips. ♥ February 11 – 17: #OurHearts at Home.  What do you do at home with your family to stay heart healthy?  Share your words of wisdom. ♥ February 18 – 24: #OurHearts in the Community.  What’s going on in your community that helps you stay heart healthy?  Tell us about it. ♥ February 25-28: #OurHearts Online.  Did you find online support for quitting smoking eating healthier, or being more active?  Share your stories. We are looking forward to American Heart Month and promoting heart health --- together! Follow us on: Facebook: NHLBI, The Heart TruthTwitter: @NIH_NHLBI, @TheHeartTruthPinterest: The Heart Truth