The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is announcing a monthlong focus on heart health during American Heart Month in February. The annual observance serves as a reminder to the public about the dangers of cardiovascular disease and the resources that are available to help people maintain heart health. Governor JB Pritzker and Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton joined IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra in urging the public to be aware of, and to take care of, their heart health. IDPH’s men’s health program will also have targeted messaging during the month, with an emphasis on disproportionate rates of early-onset heart disease in young males generally, and specifically among young Black males. IDPH social media channels will also be busy during the month, with frequent messaging about heart disease risks and prevention strategies, including

• The benefits of regular checkups and frequent monitoring of blood pressure and cholesterol levels

• The symptoms of a heart attack

• The heart benefits of adequate sleep, proper diet, physical activity, and giving up smoking

• And more.

You can connect with IDPH social media on Facebook, X, Instagram, Bluesky, Threads, and LinkedIn. Additional information about heart health can also be found on the IDPH website at Heart Disease.