County Executive Mike Hein Announces That Ulster County Will Recognize February As American Heart Month

Posted February 1, 2017

The Ulster County Office Building Will Be Lit Red To Highlight National Wear Red Day (February 3, 2017) and American Heart Month

Kingston, NY - Ulster County Executive Mike Hein announces that Ulster County will recognize the American Heart Association’s National Wear Red Day on February 3, 2017 as well as American Heart Month by lighting the Ulster County Office Building at 244 Fair Street in Kingston with red lighting for the month of  February.  The County is helping to raise awareness regarding the prevention of heart disease and stroke and in honor of American Heart Month, Executive Hein presented a Certificate of Appreciation to the American Heart Association for their important work and efforts in educating the community.

“Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States, causing one in four deaths,” said County Executive Mike Hein.  “Fortunately heart disease can be preventable in many cases, and by making healthy choices and managing health conditions there are various ways to lower your risk of heart disease.  The American Heart Association does an amazing job educating the community in their continuous fight against heart disease and stroke.  Lighting the building red is one way the County can shine a light on heart disease and raise awareness of the information and resources available. ”

"Heart disease and stroke are among the leading causes of premature death in the nation and in Ulster County. County Executive Hein and I are pleased to be able to partner with American Heart Association to increase awareness of these critical diseases and how we can help prevent them,” said Dr. Carol Smith, Ulster County Commissioner of Health.

Some suggestions to lower the risk of heart disease:

  • Be conscious of your weight;

  • Quit smoking and stay away from secondhand smoke;

  • Control your cholesterol and blood pressure;

  • If you drink alcohol, drink only in moderation; and

  • Get active and eat healthy.

    Statistics:

  • Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women. 

  • Approximately 610,000 people die of heart disease in the United States every year–that’s 1 in every 4 deaths.

  • Every 80 seconds a woman dies of heart disease or stroke.

  • 1 in 3 women die of heart disease or stroke, however 80% of cardiac events can be prevented with lifestyle changes.

  • Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the most common type of heart disease, killing over 370,000 people annually.

  • Every year about 735,000 Americans have a heart attack. Of these, 525,000 are a first heart attack and 210,000 happen in people who have already had a heart attack.

Ulster County joins thousands of businesses and organizations nationwide going red to raise awareness of heart disease.  “Wear Red Day” on February 3rd helps support the life-saving initiatives of the American Heart Association which include awareness campaigns, prevention and education programs and cutting-edge scientific research.

For information on prevention and for healthy living resources please visit http://ulstercountyny.gov/health and http://healthyulstercounty.net/ .  For more information on heart disease, National Wear Red Day and American Heart Association, please visit: www.GoRedForWomen.org, http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/ , https://www.cdc.gov/dhdsp/index.htm  or call the American Heart Association 1-877-RedDay7 (1-877-733-3297) or (845) 867-5370. 

Pictured above: 1) (from left) Dr. Carol Smith, Commissioner of Health, County Executive Mike Hein, and Kristin Judd, Executive Director, American Heart Association; 2) Ulster County Office Building

 

 

 

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