Published: February 13, 2012
2012 Heart Health Forever Stamp Launched
In a move to create public awareness of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, the U.S. Surgeon General, host Michael Torchia and founder of "Operation Fitness," and the American Heart Association joined the Postmaster General in dedicating the 2012 Social Awareness Heart Health Forever stamp.
The Heart Health Forever stamp was dedicated on February 9th, 2012 at MedStar Washington Hospital Center by U.S. Surgeon GeneralRegina M. Benjamin, M.D., M.B.A., Postmaster GeneralPatrick Donahoe and Michael Torchia, renowned fitness expert and successor to Jack Lalanne.
"Prevention is the key to eliminating heart attacks and strokes," said Benjamin. "We are giving Americans information and tools to make healthier choices to prevent tobacco use, access healthy foods and find enjoyable ways to get regular exercise. The Heart Health Social Awareness Stamp and the Million Hearts Campaign are great reminders of the importance of prevention."
"Nothing touches the heart like a letter from a loved one," said Postmaster GeneralPatrick Donahoe. "We hope Americans will use our 2012 Heart Health Social Awareness stamps for writing letters to loved ones and friends."
Donahoe also referenced the tips on the back of the stamp sheet for maintaining a healthy heart. Joining Donahoe and Benjamin in dedicating the stamps were American Heart Association Board of Directors memberBarry Franklin, Ph.D.; Physician Executive Director of MedStar Heart Institute at MedStar Washington Hospital CenterStuart F. Seides, M.D.; and renowned fitness expert, Michael Torchia.
"The American Heart Association wants to thank the Postal Service for issuing this exciting new Heart Health stamp, particularly during American Heart Month," said Association board of directors memberBarry Franklin, Ph.D. "It's a wonderful way to deliver an important message to the public by making simple changes to your lifestyle, you can build a healthier life free of heart disease."
"We love the stamp and its heart health message," said Seides of MedStar Heart Institute. "All too often, we see the challenges people face when they neglect or just plain forget to exercise their hearts."
"Every day we need to inspire people to make healthier food choices and be more active. The Heart Health Stamp is a great way to remind us of that, because it not only shares valuable information but it also is symbolic of how people to should utilize the environment as their gym," said Michael Torchia host of Issue Ceremony during the event.
Printed on the back of the stamp sheet are tips for maintaining a healthy heart and help protect your heart for a lifetime. Eat a heart-healthy diet. Consuming lots of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and avoiding foods that are high in sodium, saturated fats, and sugar promotes heart health.
Daily exercise and physical activity is important for maintaining a healthy heart, but you don't have to be an athlete to reap the rewards. Getting a reasonable amount of exercise every day of the week will lower your risk for heart disease and help maintain a healthy weight. Ask your doctor how much what kind of exercise is right for you and find a certified fitness trainer to teach you the proper ways to exercise.
Don't smoke, because Smoking causes your arteries to narrow and your blood pressure to rise, which can lead to a heart attack. No matter how long a person has smoked, quitting will dramatically lower the risk of developing heart disease. If you don't smoke, protect your heart by avoiding secondhand smoke.
Get plenty of sleep. Sleep is essential to your heart. Adults who get less than 7 hours of sleep each night have a higher risk of developing heart disease.
Visit your doctor for yearly physicals and get regular health screenings. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes can creep up on you without symptoms. Simple tests are available to detect these conditions, and medicines can be prescribed to control them if diet and exercise prove insufficient.
To learn more health and fitness advice visit: www.OperationFitness.com
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