Hackensack Meridian Health Has Heart

February is American Heart Month, a federally designated event, which is a great way to remind Americans to focus on their hearts and encourage them to get their families, friends and communities involved. Together, we can build a culture of health where making the healthy choice is the easy choice.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women. To prevent heart disease and increase awareness of its effects, Hackensack Meridian Health is proudly participating in American Heart Month.

You can make healthy changes to lower your risk of developing heart disease. Controlling and preventing risk factors is also important for people who already have heart disease. To lower your risk:

• Watch your weight.
• Quit smoking and stay away from secondhand smoke.
• Control your cholesterol and blood pressure.
• If you drink alcohol, drink only in moderation.
• Get active and eat healthy.

For more resources and information, view our upcoming events, recipes and videos below to take on a heart healthy lifestyle this February.

Supporters have been busy knitting and crocheting red hats which will be given out to babies born at all Hackensack Meridian Health hospitals during February, as part of American Heart Month, to empower moms to live heart healthy lives and to help their children do the same.

Little Hats, Big Hearts began in Chicago in 2014 and has expanded to over 660 hospitals in 40 states. In 2019 in New Jersey alone, the initiative distributed over 6,700 Little Hats, Big Hearts kits which included a hand‐made baby hat, along with heart health information for mom, healthy recipes and information on other resources. The hospitals distributed the kits at time of patient discharge as a take‐away gift to celebrate the journey of parenthood.