February is American Heart Health Month.  While you might first think of it as a routine campaign — heart health awareness and action is becoming more important than ever. Cardiovascular or heart disease is the leading cause of death in women and men with obesity and diabetes and is on the rise.  These factors can increase a person’s risk of heart attack and stroke. While the statistics are alarming, don’t panic.  Emergency Medical Technician students from Falls Church Academy will provide FREE blood pressure screening at lunches, Monday’s in February in the Cafeteria during lunch periods.  Students will also provide education about how to keep your heart healthy.

The Center For Disease Control and Prevention suggests by living a healthy lifestyle, you can help keep your blood pressure, cholesterol, and sugar normal and lower your risk for heart disease and heart attack. A healthy lifestyle includes the following:

• Eating a healthy diet.
• Maintaining a healthy weight.
• Getting enough physical activity.
• Not smoking or using other forms of tobacco.
• Limiting alcohol use.