February Is American Heart Month

American Heart Month shines a spotlight on heart disease, the leading cause of death in the U.S., and encourages everyone to take proactive steps toward improving their heart health. This observance is more than a health initiative; it is an opportunity to foster a culture of wellness that supports employees and strengthens organizations.

Why Heart Health Matters

Heart disease, often called the “silent killer,” poses significant risks for millions of employees due to factors like high blood pressure, stress, and sedentary lifestyles. Beyond the human impact, heart disease costs the U.S. economy over $417 billion annually in medical expenses and lost productivity. By investing in preventive care and promoting heart-healthy habits, organizations can help reduce these risks and improve engagement, productivity, and morale.

Heart Health at Work

Promoting heart health in the workplace supports a healthier, more engaged workforce and demonstrates a shared commitment to long-term well-being. Even simple strategies can create meaningful change.

Consider implementing the following strategies for promoting heart health in February and beyond.

Celebrate Heart Month at Work

• Host a “Wear Red Day” to raise awareness around the prevalence of heart disease among women.
• Share weekly heart health tips via posted flyers, email, intranet, or Slack/Teams. Visit the American Heart Association’s Healthy Living website or the Hylant Well-being Hub for helpful resources.
• Stock break rooms with heart-healthy snacks like nuts, vegetables, and fruit.

Encourage Preventive Care

• Partner with your health plan or a local provider to offer on-site biometric screenings or blood pressure checks.
• Offer incentives to motivate members to complete preventive care visits, as well as age and gender-appropriate screenings. To get started, explore our Hylant Health Strategies Well-being at Work: A Preventive Care Campaign Employer Toolkit for best practices, resources, and tools. 

Promote Heart-Healthy Habits Throughout the Year

• Provide practical nutrition tips. Share resources on balanced eating and portion control, including simple swaps like reducing sodium and added sugars.
• Support tobacco cessation. Offer access to programs, tools, and resources that help employees quit for good. 
• Encourage active lifestyles. Organize walking meetings, step challenges, or onsite fitness classes to keep movement fun and accessible.
• Celebrate success stories. Highlight employee testimonials that showcase successful heart-healthy habits or lifestyle changes.

American Heart Month reminds us that heart health is a shared responsibility. Organizational leaders are uniquely positioned to lead initiatives that protect employees’ well-being and strengthen the overall culture. Start today, because every heartbeat counts.

Related Reading: Why Listening Could Be Your Workplace Superpower

The above information does not constitute advice. Always contact your employee benefits broker or trusted advisor for insurance-related questions.

The Hylant Health Strategies Team