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Celebrate Heart Month This February

Let's Move! Celebrates Second Anniversary

This month, Let's Move! celebrates its second anniversary. On February 9, 2010, First Lady Michelle Obama announced the launch of the initiative, dedicated to solving the problem of childhood obesity within a generation. The pillars of Let's Move! include creating a healthy start for children, empowering parents and caregivers, providing healthy food in schools, improving access to healthy, affordable foods, and increasing physical activity.

PCFSN Executive Director Shellie Pfohl and Council co-chair Dominique Dawes will attend an event in Des Moines, Iowa on February 9 to applaud the many accomplishments of Let's Move! in just two years.

Learn more about Let's Move!.

Heart disease and stroke are the first and fourth leading causes of death in the United States, making cardiovascular disease responsible for one out of every three deaths in the country. During American Heart Month this February, commit to a lifestyle that encourages heart health and lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Last September, the Department of Health and Human Services launched Million Hearts, a national initiative to prevent one million heart attacks and strokes in the U.S. over the next five years. Help make a long-lasting impact against heart disease with these tips:

  • Prevent heart disease and stroke in your families by understanding the risks.
  • Get up and get physically active. The Presidential Active Lifestyle Award (PALA+) encourages youth to be active for 60 minutes a day and adults for 30 minutes a day, five days a week for six out of eight weeks.
  • Know your ABCS – appropriate Aspirin therapy, Blood pressure control, Cholesterol control, and Smoking cessation.
  • Stay strong by eating a heart-healthy diet that is high in fresh fruits and vegetables and low in sodium, saturated and trans fats, and cholesterol. PALA+ encourages participants to commit to one new healthy eating goal each week – like filling half your plate with fruits or vegetables – and then build upon that goal each week. Refer to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute's cookbook Keep the Beat: Deliciously Healthy Dinners Exit Disclaimer to see how you don't have to lose flavor to gain health.
  • Take control of your heart health by following your doctor's instructions for medications and cholesterol.
  • Raise awareness of cardiovascular disease by participating in National Wear Red Day® on February 3 to show support and encourage conversation with friends and family.

Visit the Million Hearts website to learn more and take the pledge to be one in a Million Hearts.