Did you know heart disease kills more Nebraskans than all forms of cancer combined? The designation of February as American Heart Month is aimed at increasing awareness that heart disease is the No. 1 killer, although many cardiovascular diseases are preventable with simple lifestyle changes including more physical activity and a healthier diet.
To mark American Heart Month, Omaha went red with events throughout February, including the Red Dress Dash sponsored by Union Pacific and Star 104.5 at Union Pacific on Feb. 5, National Wear Red Day on Feb. 6 and the Heart and Stroke Ball sponsored by First National Bank and Lexus of Omaha at the CenturyLink Center on Feb. 21, the same night that the Woodmen Tower went red. First National Bank at 132nd Street and Center Road also went red Feb. 16-March 1.
As a part of their ongoing commitment to the Go Red for Women campaign, First National Bank also partnered with the American Heart Association for the “Banking on a Change” gallery, which displayed the stories of cardiovascular event survivors at eight First National Bank locations throughout the Omaha metro.
Next up? National Walking Day sponsored by CHI Health is April 1 with events throughout the Omaha-metro area. The day is a part of the lead-up to the free Omaha-Council Bluffs Heart Walk presented by Physicians Mutual Insurance on May 9.
For more information about the American Heart Association, visit www.heart.org/Omaha/.