As February marks American Heart Month, the Town of Oyster Bay is rallying the community to raise awareness about cardiovascular health. Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Councilwoman Laura Maier are encouraging all residents to wear red and participate in heart health initiatives throughout the month.
"Heart disease remains the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States," said Supervisor Saladino. "By coming together as a community and wearing red, we can spark important conversations about heart health and potentially save lives."
"Small actions like knowing your blood pressure, eating heart-healthy foods, and staying active can make a tremendous difference. We want everyone to take their heart health seriously." — Councilwoman Laura Maier
The town has organized several events throughout February, including free blood pressure screenings at community centers, a heart-healthy cooking demonstration at the Oyster Bay Community Center, and a Valentine's Day "Walk for Your Heart" event at Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park.
Local businesses have also joined the initiative. Several restaurants along South Street are offering heart-healthy menu specials, and gyms throughout the town are providing free trial memberships during February.
According to the American Heart Association, cardiovascular diseases claim more lives each year than all forms of cancer combined. However, up to 80% of cardiac events can be prevented through education and lifestyle changes.
Residents are encouraged to post photos wearing red on social media using #OysterBayGoesRed to spread awareness. The town will feature selected photos on its official social media channels throughout the month.