Since 1926 February has been most commonly known as Black History Month. However, nearly forty years after this well-known dedication President Lyndon B. Johnson proclaimed February would also be American Heart Health Month.

Johnson thought this proclamation would help bring attention to the growing rate of heart disease in America. He expressed hope that citizens would “give heed to the nationwide problem of the heart and blood-vessel diseases, and to support the programs required to bring about its solution” according to the American College of Cardiology.

In 2023 Americans continue to struggle with heart disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) someone in the U.S. dies every 34 seconds from cardiovascular problems.

Dr. Nicole Lohr, director of the division of cardiovascular disease at UAB and co-director of the UAB Medicine Cardiovascular Institute (CVI), said regular checkups, daily movement, and a balanced diet are all good ways to celebrate Heart Health Month and maintain a healthy heart every other month.

This may be especially true for Alabamians as Lohr said the state has one of the highest rates of heart disease and heart related deaths in the nation.