Every February, the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLB) honors American Heart Month by raising awareness about heart health in the hopes of urging Americans to lower their risk for developing heart disease and other cardiovascular conditions. 

Poor diet, lack of exercise, restless sleep, and more can cause serious harm to your cardiovascular health. While these factors all pose a threat to the heart, drug abuse can be even more dangerous to your overall heart health and even potentially cause permanent harm.  

For more information on the harmful effects drugs and addiction can have on your heart, visit the Addiction Center website.

Participate in American Heart Month

Making your heart health a priority has never been more important and there’s a lot you can do to prevent heart disease, such as finding support for substance abuse. Encourage others to join you in your efforts to become more heart health-conscious.  

There are many ways to spread heart health messages this February. Here are a few ideas to get you started:  

• Share your journey on social media using #OurHearts to join the heart-healthy movement 

• Create and commit to a walking schedule 

• Quit smoking 

• Take our online self-assessment 

And, finally, do your research. Connect with CADS to learn about the harmful effects substance abuse can have on your heart.  

Read More from CADS

1. The Benefits of Escaping the Vape and Why You Need to Experience an Escape Room 

2. National Impaired Driving Prevention Month 

3. New Year, Same Stigmas