DEAR EDITOR:

February is American Heart Month, a time to turn attention to keeping free from heart disease, the No. 1 killer of Americans.

It is important to take action to improve your own personal health and wellness. Making simple, healthier choices can lead to more quality years in your life and can help change the devastating impact heart disease has on the tri-county area.

As a volunteer for the American Heart Association, I ask everyone in my community to focus on their heart health this month.

How? If you smoke — quit. Know and control your health numbers — blood pressure, blood glucose, cholesterol and weight. Exercise for at least 30 minutes a day, most days of the week. Eat a variety of nutritious foods from all food groups. And be sure to schedule a time to see your doctor and get your heart checked.

The first American Heart Month, which took place in February 1964, was proclaimed by President Lyndon B. Johnson via Proclamation 3566 of Dec. 30, 1963. The Congress, by joint resolution on that date, requested the president issue annually a proclamation designating February as American Heart Month. At that time, more than half the deaths in the U.S. were caused by cardiovascular disease.

With organizations such as the American Heart Association and others working together, millions of people are enjoying longer, healthier lives. But despite all the progress, heart disease remains the single largest health threat to Americans — just as it was when LBJ was alive.

Cardiovascular disease knows no borders. Including heart disease and stroke, it remains the leading global cause of death with more than 17.6 million deaths each year. That number is expected to rise to more than 23.6 million by 2030.

Cardiovascular disease (heart disease and stroke combined) kill about 2,300 people a day. Obesity in both youth and adults is at an all-time high, youth are being diagnosed with heart disease earlier than ever, and people just ZIP codes apart can live 25 years less than their neighbors because of disparities in health.

Today, in the tri-county area, 23,974 people already have been diagnosed with heart disease, but even more are at risk. Almost 30 percent of our population has high blood pressure; another 35 percent is obese; and a quarter smokes. That’s terrifying.

American Heart Month is vital for awareness, but the American Heart Association urges people to take care of their hearts year-round.

Heart disease is preventable in most cases with healthy choices.

The American Heart Association likes to say that it has an unhealthy obsession with your health. I think you should, too.

MIKE KERR

Youngstown