Join Our Free CPR Webinar During American Heart Month

February is American Heart Month, an observance established by the American Heart Association to raise awareness and serve as a reminder that heart disease and stroke remain major health risks for men and women across the U.S.

What you may not know is that many heart attacks and strokes are preventable.

Heart Month is about paying attention to everyday habits and understanding how small changes can lower risk and save lives.

Why Heart Health Matters More Than We Think

Heart disease is the #1 cause of death for both men and women in the United States. Winter months are especially high risk due to colder temperatures, reduced physical activity, seasonal illnesses like the flu and lingering holiday habits.

6 Simple Ways to Protect Your Heart

Prevention does not have to be overwhelming. Even one or two changes can make a difference.

1. Move your body regularly. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity most days. Walking, swimming, dancing, biking, resistance training or even marching in place all count. You do not need to do it all at once or train like an athlete to see benefits.

2. Eat with intention. Focus on whole foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains and healthy proteins such as chicken, fish and turkey. Limit ultra processed foods, sugary drinks and excess sugar when possible.

3. Know your numbers. Pay attention to blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol. Normal blood pressure is around 120/80. If yours is higher, lifestyle changes like better sleep, modest weight loss and regular movement can help. If your blood pressure is elevated during your doctor visit, it could be that you have “white coat” hypertension meaning you are nervous during the visit. If this is you, it is best to check your BP at home. Most physicians look at the LDL (bad cholesterol) as the most important cholesterol number and it’s best if this number is under 100 mg/dl.

4. Get enough sleep. Seven to eight hours a night supports heart health and helps regulate blood pressure and stress hormones.

5. Manage stress and stay connected. Chronic stress raises heart rate and blood pressure over time. Activities such as meditation, deep breathing, or prayer can help to reduce stressful feelings. Emotional and social connection plays a powerful role in heart health. Feeling supported and connected can reduce stress and improve overall wellbeing.

6. Avoid tobacco and limit alcohol. All forms of tobacco increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. Alcohol can raise blood pressure and has been linked to other serious health risks as well.

When Heart Problems Turn into Emergencies

A heart attack can sometimes lead to sudden cardiac arrest, when the heart starts beating erratically or stops beating all together.

Each year, about 350,000 Americans experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital. Approximately 23,000 of these are children and teens. Around 90% do not survive. 

The majority of these emergencies happen at home, often in front of family or friends.

If CPR is started immediately, a person’s chance of survival can double or even triple. Yet only about one third of cardiac arrest victims receive bystander CPR. 

Roughly half of Americans say they know how to perform CPR. Let’s change that.

Join My FREE CPR Webinar 

Friday, February 13

12:00 to 1:00 p.m. CT

Live on Zoom

CPR is a simple skill that can make a life-or-death difference. Most people never expect to use it, but when the moment comes, confidence and quick action matter.

To help more people feel prepared, I am hosting a free live CPR and AED virtual training just ahead of Valentine’s Day. This one-hour session will cover how to recognize cardiac arrest, perform hands-only CPR and understand the role of AEDs. No prior training is required.

Heart Month is about prevention, awareness and being ready when it matters most. Learning CPR is one of the most powerful ways to protect the people you love.

Stay safe and stay prepared,

Gail Gould

The CPR and Safety Lady