This post was authored by Kim Allan Williams Sr. MD, FACC, president of the ACC.

At the beginning of each new year, we make resolutions to create healthier habits, typically we try new activities and engage more with friends and family. February is American Heart Month – a month dedicated to raising awareness of cardiovascular disease and the benefits of heart health – and is a great time to renew or continue these resolutions – especially those related to health – so they become lifelong habits.

This year the ACC is taking part in several activities to raise awareness for Heart Month, with a particular focus on patient engagement and making informed care decisions. The month will also focus on initiatives within the College and ACC’s CardioSmart, including calling attention to special awareness weeks for congenital heart disease (Feb. 7 – 13), cardiac rehabilitation (rehab) (Feb. 14 – 21) and heart failure (Feb. 14 – 21).

Be on the lookout for special guest blog posts covering CardioSmart’s Find Your Heart a Home initiative, information on the benefits of cardiac rehab, and tools for patients and providers on shared decision-making. The College will also feature information and resources on these topics via ACC’s Facebook and Twitter pages that can be shared on your own social media channels and used in conversations with patients.

Rounding out the month, CardioSmart will host a Twitter Chat on Feb. 23 at 1 p.m. ET to discuss shared decision-making tools, as well as ways to engage patients in their cardiovascular care. Stay tuned to the ACC in Touch Blog and @CardioSmart on Twitter for more information.

Finally, this month, the College and CardioSmart will feature the winner and finalists of the “I am CardioSmart” contest – patients who have taken their cardiovascular disease head-on and developed heart-healthy habits as a result. Let their stories be further reinforcement to keep those New Year’s resolutions for a healthier lifestyle.

Cheers to a successful American Heart Month!

Looking for ways to raise awareness for American Heart Month? Share a photo of your ‘Wear Red Day’ attire on Feb. 5 through social media and look out for a photo from ACC’s staff and leadership. Join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter by using hashtag #HeartMonth.

< Back to Listings