DPH Celebrates American Heart Month in February
Send a link to a friend
 [February 01, 2025]
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is
announcing a monthlong focus on heart health during American Heart Month
in February. The annual observance serves as a reminder to the public
about the dangers of cardiovascular disease and the resources that are
available to help people maintain heart health. Governor JB Pritzker and
Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton joined IDPH Director Dr. Sameer
Vohra in urging the public to be aware of, and to take care of, their
heart health.
“Heart disease remains the number one cause of death both nationally and
right here in Illinois,” said Director Vohra. “But heart disease can be
preventable when we are aware of our own personal risk factors. The
first step in prevention is identifying what can make your heart
unhealthy, such as untreated high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and
high levels of stress. Next, create a heart-healthy action plan.
Finally, schedule a check-up with your medical provider and take control
of your heart health today.”
“Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in Illinois and across
the country, but many risk factors are preventable,” said Governor JB
Pritzker. “This Heart Health Month, take charge of your well-being and
schedule a screening, make heart-healthy choices, and encourage your
loved ones to do the same. If you need support, the Illinois Department
of Public Health has great resources to help you stay on top of your
heart health. A little prevention today can lead to a healthier
tomorrow.”
“So often as women, we take care of everyone around us before ourselves.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women, who are especially
vulnerable during high stress phases of life,” said Lt. Governor Juliana
Stratton. “February 7th is Wear Red Day, and a great reminder to take
care of you. Your heart and your health matters!”
[to top of second column]
|
Among the events planned to promote heart health during February are a
blood drive on Thursday, Feb. 6, from 10:30am to 2pm at the IDPH
Springfield headquarters, 535 W. Jefferson St. The next day, Friday,
Feb. 7, is “Wear Red for Women Day,” in which everyone is encouraged to
wear red as a reminder to women to have regular checkups and to talk
with their physician about warning signs of heart trouble.
IDPH’s men’s health program will also have targeted messaging during the
month, with an emphasis on disproportionate rates of early-onset heart
disease in young males generally, and specifically among young Black
males.
IDPH social media channels will also be busy during the month, with
frequent messaging about heart disease risks and prevention strategies,
including
The benefits of regular checkups and frequent monitoring of blood
pressure and cholesterol levels
The symptoms of a heart attack
The heart benefits of adequate sleep, proper diet, physical activity,
and giving up smoking
And more.
You can connect with IDPH social media on Facebook, X, Instagram,
Bluesky, Threads, and LinkedIn.
IDPH has also made radio public service announcements on heart health
available once again to radio stations across the state. Those audio
PSAs can be found at
Public
Service Announcements.
Additional information about heart health can also be found on the IDPH
website at
Heart Disease.
All contents © copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved
 |
