American Heart Month 2019
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. Every year, one in four deaths are caused by heart disease—but there’s hope.
Heart disease can often be prevented when people make healthy choices and manage their health conditions. You can make healthy changes to lower your risk of developing heart disease. Controlling and preventing risk factors is also important for people who already have heart disease.
Most U.S. adults have a heart age greater than their actual age, placing them at increased risk of having a heart attack or stroke. Watch this short video from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to learn why your heart age is important and what you can do to improve it.
Here are some tips to lower your risk:
- Watch your weight.
- Quit smoking and stay away from secondhand smoke.
- Control your cholesterol and blood pressure.
- If you drink alcohol, drink only in moderation.
- Get active and eat healthy.
Healthy eating starts with healthy food choices. You don’t need to be a chef to create nutritious, heart-healthy meals your family will love. Learn what to look for at the grocery store, restaurants, your workplace and any eating occasion. And check out these healthy—and tasty—recipes!
To get more information on the new blood pressure guidelines and to learn more about high blood pressure and heart disease, visit the American Heart Association (AHA) website.
Learn more about your Local 94 preventive care benefits.
Other Resources
FAQs
I recently married. How do I add my spouse to my coverage?
You must provide a copy of your marriage certificate within 90 days of marriage to enroll your new spouse with the applicable date (date of marriage). If you fail to do so, within the applicable 90-day period, dependent coverage will not be available under the Plan for your new spouse until the first of the month following the date in which you provide the Fund Office with the required documentation or any other verifying information requested. A Coordination of Benefits Form must be completed if your spouse has other coverage. You should also visit the Life Events page on this site to see what you need to do for your other benefits.