For nearly 100 years, the American Heart Association has worked to fight against and spread awareness about heart disease and stroke. Heart disease is historically the number one killer worldwide, and stroke ranks second globally.
February is American Heart Month, an annual event meant to reinforce the importance of heart health and the need for more research, with a reminder to get families, friends and communities involved.
Unum COO Mike Simonds is the 2021 chair for the Maine Heart Walk in May and had this to share, “Heart disease is still the number one health threat to women and men. Cardiovascular diseases – which include heart disease and stroke – disproportionately affect people who do not have access to adequate health care, nutritious food, and safe places to be physically active. Our goal is to raise awareness and educate others on how to live healthier lives, and to better understand the symptoms of heart attack and stroke.”
That’s why at Unum and Colonial Life offices across the country, we’ve partnered with American Heart Associations to help our communities live longer, healthier lives.
In Columbia, South Carolina, we partner with AHA Midlands and support the Heart Ball, Midlands Heart Walk and Go Red for Women Heart Luncheon. Colonial Life CEO Tim Arnold serves on the American Heart Association Southeast Board of Directors and is chairman of the 2021 Heart Ball.
“Like many families, my family has a long history of heart disease and stroke. The AHA provides funding for research as well as educational programs on healthy eating and healthy lifestyles,” said Tim. “In my work with the AHA, I see firsthand the incredible impact this work has on the lives of my co-workers, neighbors and friends. I would encourage everyone to learn more about the great work the American Heart Association is doing to save lives.”
In Chattanooga, Tennessee, we support the local Heart Walk which takes place in the fall. Chief Accounting Officer Cherie Pashley serves on Chattanooga’s American Heart Association’s board of directors.
“My knowledge of heart disease and its effects started at a very young age as the lives of my loved ones were shaped by heart disease,” said Cherie. “The work of the AHA to advance cardiac healthcare has saved several of my close relatives and the education provided by AHA on the impact of lifestyle choices has shaped my own personal journey toward heart health. I am proud to support an organization that is also committed to equality in heart health making sure everyone can understand their numbers and have the information necessary to empower change for their own heart health.”
This year, you can join the American Heart Association’s #WATCHME social media movement in support of American Heart Month in February. There are plenty of ways you can participate whether you’re in the office or working from home. Here are some ideas:
- Share a photo of you (or your family or pets) wearing red on Feb. 5 on social media. Don’t forget to use #WatchMeGoRed when you share.
- Post a short video doing a heart-healthy activity with #WatchMe. Things like “Watch me walk a mile,” “Watch me drink more water,” or “Watch me take a mental health break” are great examples.
- Coordinate a virtual workout with friends/coworkers
- Donate to the American Heart Association
