Written by Michele Wheat
- Every 36 seconds, someone dies from cardiovascular disease.
- Every 40 seconds, someone experiences a heart attack.
- Heart disease kills more people than all forms of cancer combined (approx. 655,000 annually).
These are just a few of the grim statistics related to heart disease- the leading cause of death in the United States. Perhaps just as startling, over 70% of Americans consider themselves ‘not at risk,’ and over half put forth no effort into improving their heart’s overall strength and wellbeing. Given this, cardiovascular disease continues to claim more lives than any other health matter despite being almost 90% avoidable with simple lifestyle choices. Therefore, American Heart Month was established to emphasize the ongoing importance of proper heart health practices and preventive actions.
General Information at Heart Disease
Heart disease is a term used to describe a range of conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels; this includes heart arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats), coronary artery disease (blocked arteries), and heart defects. It occurs when plaque builds up in the arteries causing them to narrow over time and reduce blood flow to the heart.
The key risk factors most contributable to heart disease include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking, with nearly 50% of all Americans having at least one. Other conditions and lifestyle aspects may also play a role including age, genetics, obesity, physical inactivity, and poor diet. While factors such as how old you are or family history cannot be controlled, by maintaining a healthy lifestyle (i.e. eating nutritious foods, not smoking, staying physically active, visiting the doctor regularly, etc.), the majority of heart disease is fortunately preventable.
Cause Related Facts About Heart Disease
In 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson stated that “over one-half of the 10 million Americans afflicted by the cardiovascular diseases are stricken during their most productive years, thereby causing a staggering physical and economic loss to the nation.” Imploring the public to focus on the growing epidemic of heart disease, he declared the month of February as American Heart Month. Not long after, the first Surgeon General’s report was released linking smoking with negative heart impacts. Congress followed up by requesting an annual presidential proclamation that each year serves to honor the heart disease prevention and treatment efforts of physicians, public health professionals, researchers, and volunteers. Johnson’s decree marked a turning point in the nation’s approach to tackling cardiovascular disease. Since then, American Heart Month has become a federally designated event that organizations such as the American Heart Association (AHA) and National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) diligently work to promote.
But despite the progress made over the past 50 years, heart disease continues to be the single largest health threat in the U.S. To keep the momentum going during such a pivotal month, Wear Red Day was established in 2002. On this day, people across the country don the color red to inspire conversations about cardiovascular disease and connect communities on positive heart health measures.
Awareness Efforts for Heart Disease
There are specific times throughout the year where important causes and organizations are highlighted in an effort to raise social consciousness of them. There are now days, weeks, and months dedicated solely to supporting the health, social, and environmental matters most affecting humanity today. American Heart Month is a perfect example as it’s celebrated every year in February; Wear Red Day is also observed in February on the first Friday of the month.
Causes and non-profits around the world use colored silicone wristbands to garner funds and generate support for their missions. Like its predecessor the ‘awareness ribbon,’ the color/pattern of the silicone bracelet implies that the wearer is a proponent of the same endeavor. It also serves to unite those with similar passions and interests. For American Heart Month, a red silicone wristband is primarily used to designate advocacy for the cause; related images like hearts and heartbeats are often utilized in the band design as well to further affiliate with heart disease awareness. Some commonly used clipart includes:
American Heart Month Wristbands
Your lightweight, durable silicone bracelets for American Heart Month can be customized within mere minutes direct from our website. To begin, select your preferred inscription method (printed, debossed, ink injected, color coat, embossed, embossed printed); bandwidth; band colors/patterns (solid, segmented, swirl, glow-in-the-dark); adult/youth sizes; and any add-ons like keychain conversion and individual bagging. To make your American Heart Month theme stand out even more, customize the bands with the font, ink color (if applicable), format, and messaging of your choice. Upload your own logos/graphics if you wish, or choose from the hundreds of clipart options we offer. From there, pick your preferred delivery date- and you’re done! If you have a design request that cannot be achieved via our online customization tool (ex: multiple ink or specific Pantone [PMS] colors, distinct bandwidth measurements, precise structuring/placement of text/artwork, etc.), no worries! Our Wristband Resources Customer Service Team is here Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5:00pm CST, and ready to assist. Call 1.888.256.0816 or email info@wristband.com, and we will take care of the rest!