ILLINOIS (WCIA) — February is American Heart Month, and the Illinois Department of Public Health is focusing on educating the public on how to keep their heart healthy.

The goal of the annual observance is to remind people about the dangers of cardiovascular disease, and what people can do to stay healthy.

Governor JB Pritzker, Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton and IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra have teamed up to ask the public to be aware of and take care of their heart health.

“Heart disease remains the number one cause of death both nationally and right here in Illinois,” Director Vohra said. “But heart disease can be preventable when we are aware of our own personal risk factors. The first step in prevention is identifying what can make your heart unhealthy, such as untreated high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and high levels of stress. Next, create a heart-healthy action plan. Finally, schedule a check-up with your medical provider and take control of your heart health today.”

Governor Pritzker recommends that Illinoisians in need of support check out the IDPH. He said they have resources which can help you stay on top of hearth health.

“This Heart Health Month, take charge of your well-being and schedule a screening, make heart-healthy choices, and encourage your loved ones to do the same,” Pritzker said. “A little prevention today can lead to a healthier tomorrow.”

According to Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton, there are several events throughout February that highlight the importance of heart health.

“So often as women, we take care of everyone around us before ourselves. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women, who are especially vulnerable during high stress phases of life,” said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. “February 7th is Wear Red Day, and a great reminder to take care of you. Your heart and your health matters!”

Wear Red Day is meant to encourage women to have regular checkups and to talk to their physicians about warning signs that could point to heart trouble.

Another event meant to promote heart health in February is a blood drive. The blood drive will take place on Feb. 6 from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the IDPH headquarters in Springfield.

The IDPH will also emphasize the importance of heart health in their men’s health program. The IDPH said there are a disproportionate rate of early-onset heart disease in young men, specifically young Black men.

Heart Disease prevention strategies:

• Regular checkups and frequent monitoring of blood pressure and cholesterol levels
• Knowing the symptoms of a heart attack
• Knowing the heart benefits of adequate sleep, proper diet, physical activity, and giving up smoking

To learn more tips about keeping your heart healthy, visit the IDPH’s website.