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

Posted January 31, 2019

The Ulster County Office Building Will Be Illuminated In Red To Highlight National Wear Red Day And American Heart Month 

Kingston, NY - On Friday, February 1, 2019, Ulster County Executive Mike Hein will recognize the American Heart Association’s National Wear Red Day as well as American Heart Month by illuminating the Ulster County Office Building at 244 Fair Street in Kingston with red lights for the month of February. The American Heart Association advocates for more research and swifter action for women’s heart health. The ‘National Wear Red Day – Go Red for Women’ campaign raises awareness regarding the prevention of heart disease and stroke and the critical work of the American Heart Association.  In the United States, cardiovascular disease kills approximately 1 woman every 80 seconds despite the fact that nearly 80% of cardiac events may be prevented with education and lifestyle changes.

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

Michael P. Hein, Ulster County Executive

“America Heart Health month is an important time to remind residents to be mindful of their health and to make lifestyle changes that can help prevent heart disease,” said County Executive Mike Hein.  “Lighting the Ulster County Office Building in red is just one way we can help raise awareness about heart disease and recognize the amazing work the American Heart Association. Education and prevention are key to decreasing risk factors for developing heart disease and stroke and increasing rates of survival, which can allow people to live longer, healthier lives.”

Dr. Carol Smith, Ulster County Commissioner of Health and Mental 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 and Mental Health.

Danielle Schuka Regional Director, American Heart Association-Hudson Valley

“The American Heart Association is grateful to Ulster County for `going red´ with us for American Heart Month to help raise awareness for our region’s number one killer—heart disease,” said Danielle Schuka, Regional Director for the American Heart Association. “During February, let’s shine a light on heart healthy choices like diet, exercise and not smoking. We can prevent more than 80% of heart disease with lifestyle choices. Let’s Go Red and get healthier, Ulster County!”

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.

To learn more about heart health and heart disease prevention please visit the American Heart Association at http://www.heart.org or call the American Heart Association-Hudson Valley at (845) 867-5370. For more information of National Wear Red Day visit www.GoRedForWomen.org.

Pictured above - Ulster County Office Building