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Westchester Wears Red to Promote Healthy Hearts

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County Department of Health Supports Heart Disease Prevention Strategies

Westchester County and the Westchester County Department of Health are encouraging residents to participate in National Wear Red Day this Friday, February 6, to raise awareness about heart disease prevention strategies and American Heart Month, a program of the American Heart Association.

Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said: “We all have a heart, so let’s show some love this February. Wear red, but even more importantly, follow the Health Department’s advice to increase longevity and encourage your loved ones to do the same.”

The Westchester County Department of Health is encouraging residents to reduce their risk of heart disease – the leading cause of death for men and women – and improve their health through exercise, healthier eating and by avoiding tobacco products, including those that are vaped. To improve your health and reduce heart disease risk factors, avoid salt, tobacco and foods high in cholesterol, monitor your blood pressure, engage in regular physical activity, achieve and maintain a healthy weight, and treat and manage Type 2 diabetes. 

Health Commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler said: “Try something new – take a brisk walk, try a vegetable you aren’t familiar with, and instead of reaching for the salt, experiment with herbs and spices to add flavor to food. Over time, these small, measurable changes can add up to a healthier heart. Invite supportive family and friends to join you on this journey.”

Here are some tips for a healthier heart:

  • Move more– make time for 30 minutes of physical activity most days.
  • Eat healthier to reduce your cholesterol, blood pressure and weight. Satisfy your hunger with vegetables, fruits, whole grains, low-fat dairy and poultry, fish and unsalted nuts. Boost flavor with herbs, garlic, onions and spices instead of salt, butter or fat. Cut back on packaged foods and choose those that are low in sodium, salt, sugar and sweeteners. Limit sweets, red meat and sugary drinks to an occasional treat.
  • Know your numbers – Be aware of your blood pressure reading, cholesterol count and lipid profile. Have these checked at an annual physical. If the results are higher than recommended, ask your doctor to suggest lifestyle changes that can help. Learn more about heart healthy numbers at www.westchestergov.com/health.
  • Avoid tobacco products and do not vape to reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, heart disease, stroke, lung diseases, diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
  • Limit alcohol intake to avoid raising blood pressure levels, triglyceride levels that harden arteries and the risk for heart disease. Women should have no more than one drink a day, while men should stop at two.

Residents can check out a blood pressure monitor provided by the Westchester County Health Department at the Yonkers Riverfront Library, 1 Larkin Center, and at the Grinton I. Will Library, 1500 Central Park Avenue, where medical students from Einstein College of Medicine visit to speak about heart health. The Theodore Young Community Center at 32 Manhattan Avenue, White Plains, offers blood pressure checks for program participants. Nurses offer free blood pressure checks through Lifting Up Westchester Community Central at Grace Church parish hall, 33 Church Street, White Plains.

For more health tips and heart health resources, go to www.westchestergov.com/health. The Westchester County Department of Health can be reached at (914) 813-5000.