State Rep. Todd Hunter | Todd Hunter Office Facebook page
State Rep. Todd Hunter | Todd Hunter Office Facebook page
The month of February has been designated as Heart Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about heart health and educating the public on improving cardiovascular well-being. The American Heart Association (AHA) and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have released information to support this initiative.
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, responsible for one in four deaths annually. However, it is often preventable through healthy lifestyle choices and effective management of health conditions. Communities, healthcare professionals, and families are encouraged to collaborate in creating environments that promote healthier living.
Recent trends indicate that while heart disease death rates are declining, the rate of decline has slowed among adults aged 35 to 64. The CDC's Division of Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention, along with Million Hearts, emphasizes that younger adults can reduce their risk by adopting healthier lifestyles and managing medical conditions.
The CDC offers several recommendations for maintaining heart health: engaging in at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week; adopting healthy eating habits by reducing sodium and trans-fat intake; quitting tobacco use; regularly monitoring blood pressure and cholesterol levels; and adhering to prescribed medications.
The AHA plays a significant role in disseminating heart health knowledge across all government levels. It identifies ways to educate the public and develops systems of care aimed at improving patient outcomes while enhancing cost-effectiveness. These efforts are tailored regionally to address specific needs within states.
For further details on cardiovascular health tips, individuals are encouraged to visit the American Heart Association's website. Those with questions regarding heart health or Texas state agency services can contact State Representative Todd Hunter's Capitol or District Office.
Representative Todd Hunter serves Aransas County and part of Nueces County. He can be reached via email at todd.hunter@house.texas.gov or by phone at 512-463-0672.
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