NEWS

WIRES

OTHER

U.S. Census Bureau Daily Feature for February 7

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20090226/CENSUSLOGO)

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 7: AMERICAN HEART MONTH

Profile America -- Monday, February 7th. This month, the word "heart" usually makes us think of the romance of Valentine's Day, coming up next week. But February is also American Heart Month, with a more serious meaning -- taking care of our physical heart. Everyone should be aware of the warning signs of a problem -- an uncomfortable pressure in the chest may signal a heart attack, while numbness or weakness on one side of the body could mean a stroke. Experts say you can help prevent these with a balanced lifestyle of physical activity, weight control and moderate intake of salt and alcohol. While heart disease has claimed fewer lives in recent years, it is still the nation's number one killer -- responsible for nearly 616,000 deaths annually. You can find these and more facts about America from the U.S. Census Bureau, online at www.census.gov.

Sources: Chase's Calendar of Events 2011, p. 109

Statistical Abstract of the United States 2011, t. 118

Profile America is produced by the Public Information Office of the U.S. Census Bureau. These daily features are available as produced segments, ready to air, on a monthly CD or on the Internet at http://www.census.gov (look for "Multimedia Gallery" by the "Newsroom" button).

SOURCE U.S. Census Bureau