Women's Heart Health/American Heart Month - release for 2/1

Jodi - release is on our network at NR_Wear Red Day.docx . Still awaiting Miranda's approval for the quote, but submitting the rest to you because this needs to go out early tomorrow as possible.

DRAFT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 1, 2024

Wear r ed for Women’s Hea r t Hea lth Friday, February 2 nd

February is American Hea r t Month

SANTA FE—February is American Hea r t Month and is a time for all of us—especially women—to focus on cardiovascular hea lth. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the l eading cause of death in women. Friday Feb . 2 is a day to raise awareness of this disease and recognize the struggle against CVD in our communities by wearing red.

“ We can help the women in our lives reduce their risk for cardiovascular disease by aiding them in build ing hea lth y habits ,” said Miranda Durham , New Mexico Department of Hea lth Chief Medical Officer . “ We are asking New Mexicans to do their part by wearing red on Friday to spread understanding of this deadly di s ease and its threat to women ’s lives.”

In 2021, heart disease was the main cause of death in New Mexicans. However, m any CVD risk factors, such as high blood pressure and high blood cholesterol can be prevented or treated through behavior change and appropriate medication. The Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Program at the Department of H ealth (DOH) and its partners use a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to promote healthy l ifestyles focused on preventing, identifying and controlling high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels among New Mexican adults.

Some simple steps everyone can take to improve hea r t hea lth include:

Healthy e ating :

Choose whole grains

Include a variety of fruits and vegetable s in your diet

Select minimally processed foods

Cut down on salt

Physical activity :

Get at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic activity per week or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity

Move throughout the day

Engage in moderate to high intensity muscle strengthening activity at least twice a week

Fight stress :

Plan a hea d so you don’t have to rush

Try to get seven to nine hours of sleep each night

Practice mindfulness to reduce stress

For more information visit the DOH Hea r t D i s e a s e and Stroke Prevention website and the American Hea r t Association .

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