GRAND JUNCTION, CO Jan. 29, 2025—Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading killer in the U.S., and at least six in 10 U.S. adults (61%), more than 184 million people, are expected to have some type of CVD by 2050, according to recent projections from the American Heart Association. That is why the Association launched a new, lifesaving public awareness campaign in Colorado to help residents reduce their risk for heart disease and stroke. Sponsored by Intermountain Health, the proud local Live Fierce. Reduce Your Risk. sponsor, Colorado’s “Cherish Your Heartbeat” campaign will encourage everyone to take control of their heart health by learning their key health numbers and working with a health care professional to create a treatment plan.
The Live Fierce. Reduce Your Risk. “Cherish Your Heartbeat” campaign will launch on Feb. 7, 2025, at a Heart Health Fair at Intermountain Health St. Mary’s Regional Hospital on National Wear Red Day. This free community event will take place from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the hospital’s main lobby and feature heart health education and hands-only CPR with the Grand Junction Fire Department, blood pressure checks, and exercise demonstrations. The hospital is located at 2635 N. 7th St., Grand Junction.
As part of the Live Fierce. Reduce Your Risk sponsorship with Intermountain Health, the “Cherish Your Heartbeat” campaign will feature a year-round educational initiative focused on chronic disease prevention, a community conversation with Intermountain Health doctors, blood pressure awareness activities at Heart Walk, and a community CPR and AED readiness campaign.
“Knowledge is power, particularly when it comes to your health. If you know your risk for heart attack or stroke, you can take steps to reduce your risk,” said Ruchika Husa, MD, Intermountain Health cardiologist. “Start today by working with your health care team to understand your risk of developing cardiovascular disease and create a treatment plan that works for you.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heart disease remains the leading cause of death among American adults, yet many risk factors can be prevented and treated. Health care professionals can test for risk factors like cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar, and help patients control or manage their risk for heart disease and stroke. Medication management and health screenings are effective tools in addressing cardiovascular disease risks, alongside establishing and maintaining healthy habits like a balanced diet, regular physical activity and reducing stress.
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
About Intermountain Health
Intermountain Health operates multiple clinics and hospitals in Colorado and in five other western states. Intermountain is a not-for-profit system of 34 hospitals, approximately 400 clinics, medical groups with some 4,600 employed physicians and advanced care providers, a health plans division called Select Health with more than one million members, and other health services. Helping people live the healthiest lives possible, Intermountain is committed to improving community health and is widely recognized as a leader in transforming healthcare by using evidence-based best practices to consistently deliver high-quality outcomes at sustainable costs.
For Media Inquiries:
American Heart Association, 303-801-4650, Lyndsey.albright@heart.org
Intermountain Health, 970-310-3749, sara.quale@imail.org