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

Posted February 1, 2018

The Ulster County Office Building Will Be Lit Red To Highlight National Wear Red Day (February 2, 2018) 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 2, 2018 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 recognizes the important work being accomplished by the American Heart Association.  Additionally, the American Heart Association’s `National Wear Red Day – Go Red for Women´ on February 2nd advocates for more research and swifter action for women, as cardiovascular disease in the United States kills approximately 1 woman every 80 seconds; despite the fact that 80% of cardiac events may be prevented with education and lifestyle changes. 

Michael P. Hein, Ulster County Executive

“Lighting the Ulster County Office Building red is one small way we can raise awareness about heart disease,” said County Executive Mike Hein.  “The American Heart Association is an amazing organization, educating our community and helping people survive heart disease and stroke, allowing them to live longer and enjoy a better quality of life. I urge residents to be mindful of their health and that even the smallest lifestyle changes can make a difference in preventing heart disease.”

Dr. Carol Smith, Ulster County Commissioner of Health

“Heart disease and stroke are among the leading causes of premature death in the nation and in Ulster County. About one in four deaths every year are due to cardiovascular disease.  County Executive Hein and I are pleased to partner with the American Heart Association to increase awareness of heart disease and the steps we can take to help prevent it,” said Dr. Carol Smith, Ulster County Commissioner of Health.

Kristin Judd Horowitz, Executive Director, American Heart Association-Hudson Valley

“The American Heart Association is grateful to Ulster County for `going red´ for American Heart Month to help raise awareness for our region’s number one health threat—heart disease,” said Kristin Judd Horowitz, Executive Director, American Heart Association. “Let these red lights be a reminder that we should take care of our precious hearts every day by exercising and eating healthy, so we can all live longer, stronger, healthier lives.”

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 by going red to raise awareness of heart disease.  “Wear Red Day” on February 2nd 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 more information on heart disease, National Wear Red Day and the American Heart Association, please visit: www.GoRedForWomen.org, http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/ , https://www.cdc.gov/dhdsp/index.htm , https://healthfinder.gov/NHO/FebruaryToolkit.aspx or call the American Heart Association at (845) 867-5370.