Do you ever stop and thank your heart? If not, you really should. Your number one supporter in life isn’t your family, friends, or partner; it’s your heart. Every accomplishment ever obtained, every special moment ever shared, and every love ever experienced, was only possible with your heart’s support. Nevertheless, more often than not, people overlook the significant role it plays in their life. For this reason, it is often forgotten that our hearts need just as much attention as anything else. Just as you depend on your heart to beat, your heart depends on you to care and protect it. Without proper care, common diseases such as cardiovascular disease, may arise and wreak havoc on your heart.

In high school, I became aware of the prevalence of cardiovascular disease and its detrimental effects through the #HeART campaign. Oddly enough, instead of being taught about this disease in a science course, I learned about it in a drawing course. During my senior year of high school, my art teacher invited Dr. Jingyi Liu to come to speak about the #HeART campaign and requested the assistance of us art students. It was on that day I became involved with the #HeART campaign and began advocating to raise awareness for cardiovascular disease. Reflecting upon my experience working with the #HeART campaign, I realized that if it had not been for this campaign, I may not have become aware of the prevalence of cardiovascular disease. Guided by this experience, I believe it is important to spread the awareness of cardiovascular disease that may be missing from your educational learning in school — like it was in mine.

The #HeART project is a campaign that raises awareness for heart disease and aims to educate the younger population. After becoming involved in the #HeART project, I became more aware of the role a healthy diet and lifestyle play in maintaining a healthy heart, as well as the significance of spreading awareness. Did you know that in 2017, for every 40 seconds that passed, someone had a heart attack in the United States? Additionally, were you aware that 1 in 5 heart attacks is silent – this means some may experience a heart attack without being aware of it. The prevalence of cardiovascular disease is real. In fact, the leading cause of death for men and women within the United States is heart disease. However, by maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and developing healthy daily habits, you can actively prevent heart disease and maintain a healthy heart. Don’t fall victim to heart disease; have some passion for your heart.

– Halley B.- Guest Blogger

References
https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/facts.htm