01/20/2026

The Best Gift: A Healthy Heart

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women, accounting for about 1 in 4 deaths. Know your family’s heart health history and talk with your doctor about your personal risk. Reduce your risk by eating well, staying active, avoiding tobacco, and knowing the warning signs:

• Heart failure symptoms: shortness of breath, trouble breathing when lying down, swelling in legs or ankles, sudden weight gain, fatigue, persistent cough.
• Heart attack symptoms: chest pain or pressure, pain in arms/back/neck/jaw, shortness of breath, cold sweats, nausea, light-headedness. Call 9-1-1 immediately.
• Stroke symptoms: Remember F.A.S.T. Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call 9-1-1.

Log in to your EAP Resource Center for more on heart health and many other health conditions. You can also call a Wellness Coach for help with nutrition, diet, fitness, or tobacco cessation.

Key February Dates

• American Heart Month
• Black History Month
• Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month
• 2/2 – Groundhog Day
• 2/6 – National Wear Red Day
• 2/14 – Valentine’s Day
• 2/14 – National Donor Day
• 2/15-2/20 – Random Act of Kindness Week
• 2/16 – Presidents’ Day (aka “Washington’s Birthday”)
• 2/23-3/1 – National Eating Disorders Awareness Week