One in a Million

As you all know, this is Black History Month. It started as Black History Week on February 12, 1926, by Carter G. Woodson, an historian. This year, 2013, marks the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation and the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington.

February is also National Heart Month. Americans are stricken with more than 2 million heart attacks and strokes a year. People of all ages, genders, races are affected, however, African Americans and older people are at higher risk than others. Some of the risks include high blood pressure & high cholesterol; poverty, lack of health care & education are major contributors as well. The "Million Hearts" initiative has been established with the intent to prevent 1 million heart attacks and strokes by 2017, using clinical & community prevention, what they're calling the ABCS:

• Aspirin as appropriate
• Blood pressure control
• Cholesterol management
• Smoking cessation  

We can all participate in achieving this goal. Be one in a million!

Together we thrive,

Jacqueline