February is American Heart Health Month and the American Heart Association is celebrating their 10th year of “going Red”. Whenever I read that the #1 killer of women is heart disease it still always surprises me, I’m not sure why. For this reason alone, I am happy to see this campaign gaining traction to educate Americans on living a heart healthy lifestyle. [Quick Tips for Eating a More Heart Healthy Diet below]
Many companies, organizations and nonprofits are celebrating American Heart Health month by wearing red, hosting fundraisers and events, and posting pictures of heart shaped supporters. (Have you seen all these fun, group pictures of people cluster together in a heart shape popping up on Facebook and Pinterest?) Many of these fundraisers giveaway or sell promotional products to support this cause. You can purchase apparel, bags, accessories, and even cookbooks on the American Heart Association’s Official Store, www.shop.heart.org.
Maybe your company is looking to create their own heart-inspired promotional products or apparel… well, we definitely have you covered with lots products available in Red as well as heart-shaped products. I’ve created a pinboard, Go Red for American Heart Health Month with a great sampling of products I’ve seen trending and products that we offer with your logo. You can also shop our website to find many more red promotional products.
Quick Tips for Eating a More Heart Healthy Diet
- Choose foods that are low in saturated fat and cholesterol. Look for foods displaying the American Heart Association’s heart-check mark to quickly and easily spot heart-healthy foods in the supermarket. Check out heartcheckmark.org to learn more.
- Select fruits and vegetables that are deeply colored throughout – such as spinach, carrots, and berries. They tend to be higher in vitamins and minerals. Berries are rich in a type of antioxidant called polyphenols, which can lower blood pressure and boost “good” HDL cholesterol.
- Switch from using butter to olive oil or canola oil which can lower cholesterol levels.
- Choose whole-grain, high fiber breads instead of white bread. The soluble fiber in whole-grain foods reduces the absorption of bad LDL cholesterol into the bloodstream, helping to keep arteries clear.
- Eat more fish. The American Heart Association recommends you eat one serving of grilled or baked fish at least twice a week.
Is your company or organization incorporating causes and non-profit work in their company culture? What causes do you support?
-Heather
Merchandising Manager
