By the American Red Cross of San Diego and Imperial Counties

February is National Heart Month and the perfect time to practice self-care, gain skills to help others during critical moments, or shower love on a community hero. The American Red Cross offers three ways to help mark National Heart Month:

1. TAKE A CLASS:

   A variety of online, in-person, and courses are available to learn how to perform CPR or use an automated external defibrillator (AED) or what to do if you think someone is having a heart attack. If you are taking a course to fulfill a job requirement, check with your employer so you know exactly which course you need. You can also download the free Red Cross First Aid app for instant access to information on handling the most common first aid emergencies, including how to perform CPR and use an AED. Those with Alexa-enabled devices can also activate the Red Cross First Aid skill.

2. GET A BLOOD PRESSURE CHECK:

   Nearly one in three adults – over eight million Californians – are living with at least one of the most common forms of cardiovascular disease which are heart disease, heart failure, stroke, or hypertension (high blood pressure). High blood pressure raises your risk for serious health problems — but many people don’t know they have it. Check your blood pressure regularly to find problems early and protect your health. Love Your Heart is February 14-29 in which organizations from across the U.S. and Mexico join together to provide FREE blood pressure screenings to the public on or near Valentine's Day. 

3. DONATE BLOOD:

   In addition to offering hospital patients hope and healing through a blood donation, those who roll up a sleeve can gain insights into their own health. The Red Cross recently expanded its health insights for blood donors by proactively notifying individuals with two or more blood pressure readings of 140/90 mmHg or higher that their blood pressure indicates they are in Stage 2 hypertension, according to the American Heart Association. Through the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, individuals can also access their Health Charts which allows each donor to see their blood pressure trends over time, allowing them to share this information with their healthcare provider.

4. NOMINATE A HERO: If you know someone who has helped save or sustain a life, you can nominate them for a national lifesaving award. You can inspire others to learn important lifesaving skills by sharing real-life success stories.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds, and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission.

For more information, please visit redcross.org/SoCal or cruzrojaamericana.org, or connect with us on Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube.