Cardiovascular disease, including heart attack and stroke, is the number one cause of death in America. In fact, heart disease causes about 29% of all U.S. deaths. The emergency services are not immune to this tragic statistic. Heart disease remains the number one cause of on-duty firefighter fatalities, with about half of all line-of-duty deaths each year attributed to heart attacks.
In recognition of the nation’s ongoing fight against heart disease, Congress issued a joint resolution in 1963 requesting that the President issue a proclamation each year designating February as American Heart Month. The purpose of this annual proclamation is to renew the nation’s commitment to fighting this deadly disease and increase public awareness of how to prevent cardiovascular illnesses.
American Heart Month is a great time to re-energize your commitment to keeping your heart strong. The NVFC Heart-Healthy Firefighter Program has created an American Heart Month Resource Center you can use to learn more about heart-health as well as connect you to the resources and tools that will help you on the path to getting and keeping your heart strong. Learn more at www.healthy-firefighter.org.
