The Allen County Board of Commissioners hopes residents will use the month of February as an opportunity to learn about their family's health history and lower the risk of a heart attack.

At its legislative session today, the commissioners issued a proclamation designating February as “Heart Health Awareness Month” in Allen County.  To kick off the month, February 3 was also declared “Go Red for Women Day,” a day set aside by the American Heart Association to wear red in supporting of raising awareness of heart disease in women.

According to the American Heart Association, an estimated 71 million Americans have some form of heart disease, the most common being high blood pressure. The AHA says many heart-related conditions are the result of poor diet and exercise.  However, damage to the heart can be reversed through improved health. The AHA recommends a diet that consists of lean meats, low-fat dairy products, and avoiding cholesterol-rich foods with added salts, fats or sugars. Regular exercise for 20 to 60 minutes per day, 3 to 5 times per week can also help shed excess weight and strengthen the heart.

In its proclamation, the Board of Commissioners encourages all Allen County residents to raise awareness of heart disease, take steps to improve their own heart health, and encourage their colleagues, friends, and family to do the same.