Maine health system basks in a red glow to encourage heart-healthy activities, reduce heart disease risk

To mark American Heart Month in February, Northern Light Health is “glowing red” all month and sharing tips for heart-healthy exercise habits and recipes.

Heart disease, including coronary artery disease and heart attack, is the leading cause of death for men and women in the U.S. Each year, one in four deaths is caused by heart disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

To raise awareness, the health system is building upon the national “Go Red for Women” Day, the first Friday in February, with an entire month of color-driven awareness efforts.

“By going red for women on Feb. 2 and glowing red all month long, we hope to inspire those within our communities to develop heart-healthy habits with their family, friends and neighbors,” said Craig Brett, M.D., medical director of Northern Light Mercy Cardiovascular Care.

The effort is supported with a dedicated “How’s Your Heart?” page on the Northern Light Health website, featuring links to heart health tips and resources to empower patients and community members to take steps to prevent heart disease. Resources include:

• Nine steps for preventing disease, including scheduling an appointment with a health care provider to discuss personal risk for heart disease, getting enough sleep and modifying one’s diet.
• Questions and answers about heart-healthy exercise habits, including how frequently to exercise, how to stick with an exercise program and more.
• Article dispelling the myth that heart disease affects more men than women; in fact, for every woman who dies of breast cancer, six die of heart disease.
• List of early-warning signs and symptoms of heart attacks — and what to do if someone is experiencing symptoms.
• Links to 12 heart-healthy recipes, including blueberry muffins, Mediterranean pasta and sweet potato nachos.

Visit the Northern Light Health website to learn more.