Connecting people with savings and great, local businesses is our top objective here at SaveOn.
However, there is another organization whose goal of saving has been its mission for nearly a century.
February is American Heart Month, and the American Heart Association has saved the lives of our friends, and families and communities by raising awareness and promoting prevention of cardiovascular disease and stroke since the organization started in 1924.
Heart disease is the No. 1 killer worldwide and stroke ranks second globally. Through the years, the American Heart Association has invested more than $4.5 billion in research into preventing the issues, and this month marks the biggest push to raise awareness. Yet, the depth of the work of the nonprofit likely remains unknown by many people.
In addition to bringing attention to the risks of heart attack and stroke, the organization also places a massive educational focus on healthy living — from dangers about high cholesterol and hypertension to the importance of physical activity.
Throughout American Heart Month, the American Heart Association’s “Heart to Heart: Why Losing One Woman Is Too Many” campaign will raise awareness about how 1 in 3 women are diagnosed with heart disease annually.
This year, the federally designated observance in February is even more important because of the impact of the coronavirus on the public’s heart health, including the potential harmful effects the disease has on the heart and vascular system.
While in lockdown, more people have engaged in unhealthy lifestyle behaviors — such as eating poorly, drinking more alcohol and limiting physical activity — that can contribute to heart disease. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many people also have delayed or avoided going to hospitals for heart attacks and strokes — netting poorer outcomes and prompting the organization to create “Don’t Die of Doubt,” a national awareness campaign that reminds people that hospitals are the safest place to go when you have symptoms.
During American Heart Month, the American Heart Association and other organizations reinforce the importance of heart health, the need for more research and efforts to ensure that millions of people live longer and healthier. In most cases, heart disease is preventable when people adopt a healthy lifestyle, which includes not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, controlling blood sugar and cholesterol, treating high blood pressure, getting at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity a week, and getting regular checkups.
We want you to take this month to think about your health and the measures you can take to improve your heart happiness. SaveOn is here to help you take those small but important steps forward for your health and well-being. The deals with our partner agencies can help you save when it comes to eating smarter when you’re dining out or taking advantage of new recreational activities in and around your hometown.
SaveOn’s savings can help you advance your physical health. Yet, the benefits of saving also are good for your financial health — shopping local rewards the health of your local community. Take time during American Heart Month to make the lifestyle adjustments that will help you in the long run — and invest in the health of your friends and neighbors by considering donating to the efforts of the American Heart Association at heart.org.
