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AMERICAN HEART MONTH

Jensperspectiveblog 6 Comments

American Heart Month isn’t just for lovers. February also reminds us to take care of our hearts and consider our risk factors.

Believe it or not, heart disease can happen at any age. However, some risk factors for heart disease and stroke are preventable. American Heart Month teaches us how we can help reduce our risks while eliminating those we have control over. Do you have one of these risk factors for cardiovascular disease? Obesity, physical inactivity, high blood pressure, cigarette smoking, high cholesterol, or diabetes.

AMERICAN HEART MONTH HISTORY

In 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson declared the first American Heart Month to tackle heart disease in the United States.  

HOW TO OBSERVE #AmericanHeartMonth

Review these signs for heart disease risk:
  1. High blood pressure. Millions of people in the United States have high blood pressure, and millions of them are as young as 40 or 50. If you are one of them, talk to your doctor about ways to control it.
  2. High cholesterol, diabetes, and obesity are all conditions that can increase your risk for heart disease. If you fall into this category, work on eating healthy and getting some physical activity a few times a week.
  3. Smoking cigarettes. Over 35 million adults in America are smokers, and thousands of young people pick up the habit daily. If you’re a smoker, do your best to quit or cut down. It’s what’s best for your health.

So, if you want to stay on top of your health and try to avoid the risk of heart disease, there are a few things you can do. First, don’t smoke, and if you’re already a smoker, do your best to quit. Click here for options for help. The next step you can take is managing any conditions you may have, such as high blood pressure and cholesterol. Take your medication as prescribed by your doctor. Next, make heart-healthy diet decisions. Eat whole foods low in trans-fat, saturated fat, sodium, and added sugar. A good rule of thumb is to fill half your plate with fruits and vegetables. Finally, get moving! Living a sedentary lifestyle will put you at a much greater risk for heart disease. Try to get in at least 20 minutes of physical activity 4-5 days a week, then build from there!

Visit www.millionhearts.hhs.gov to learn more about the risks and how to prevent heart disease and stroke. Use #AmericanHeartMonth to share on social media.

February American Heart Health Month: Blood Pressure Journal Log Book Health Record Tracker Health Disease Awareness Month Red Ribbon#AmericanHeartMonth
February American Heart Health Month: Blood Pressure Journal Log Book Health Record Tracker Health Disease Awareness Month Red Ribbon
American Heart Association Instant and Healthy: 100 Low-Fuss, High-Flavor Recipes for Your Pressure Cooker, Multicooker and Instant Pot®: A Cookbook #AmericanHeartMonth
American Heart Association Instant and Healthy: 100 Low-Fuss, High-Flavor Recipes for Your Pressure Cooker, Multicooker and Instant Pot®: A Cookbook
The Low Cholesterol Cookbook and Action Plan: 4 Weeks to Cut Cholesterol and Improve Heart Health#AmericanHeartMonth
The Low Cholesterol Cookbook and Action Plan: 4 Weeks to Cut Cholesterol and Improve Heart Health
The No-Salt Cookbook: Reduce or Eliminate Salt Without Sacrificing Flavor#AmericanHeartMonth
The No-Salt Cookbook: Reduce or Eliminate Salt Without Sacrificing Flavor

GOOD FRIDAY

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The Friday before Easter commemorates the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ in the Christian Faith and is called Good Friday.

Christians around the world recall the biblical story of Jesus’s crucifixion on this day. The day goes by other names as well, such as Holy Friday, Black Friday, and Great Friday. Though sources conflict, the phrase “Good Friday” may have been derived from “God’s Friday,” though sources conflict.

The observance is central to the Christian holy season that leads up to Easter when Jesus Christ was resurrected. While Easter has become a traditional celebration in the secular world, Good Friday has remained a holy and spiritual observance.

GOOD FRIDAY HISTORY

The celebration of Good Friday has been observed for centuries, some say since at least the 4th century.

Since Easter is based on the lunar calendar, Good Friday can happen anytime between March 20th and April 23rd depending upon when the first full moon occurs after the spring equinox.
Different cultures around the globe celebrate Good Friday with varying traditions.

  • El Salvador – Artists create alfombra de asserin (sawdust rugs) using colored sawdust. The artwork depicts a variety of scenes or patterns in honor of Good Friday.
  • London – Reenacts the crucifixion as a passion play. The performance is free to the public.
  • Ireland – Eggs are marked with a holy cross and are then eaten on Easter Sunday.
  • Israel – Christians walk in Jesus’s footsteps in Jerusalem where he was crucified.

HOW TO OBSERVE GOOD FRIDAY

  • Churches across the country hold services.
  • Depending on the denomination, their services and traditions may vary.
  • Many spend the day in meditative reflection.
  • Some churches will fast, selected hymns are chosen for services and a black cloth is draped over the altar and cross.
  • Other churches will include specific prayers such as the Stations of the Cross.
  • Similar to making Easter bread, some make hot cross buns for the observance. Learn more about the biblical story of the crucifixion.
  • Use #GoodFriday to share on social media.
TOSY Flying Disc - 16 Million Color RGB or 36 or 360 LEDs, Extremely Bright, Smart Modes, Auto Light Up, Rechargeable, Birthday Gift, Easter Basket Stuffers for Men/Boys/Teens/Kids, 175g Frisbee#GoodFriday
TOSY Flying Disc – 16 Million Color RGB or 36 or 360 LEDs, Extremely Bright, Smart Modes, Auto Light Up, Rechargeable, Birthday Gift, Easter Basket Stuffers for Men/Boys/Teens/Kids, 175g Frisbee
TOSY Flying Ring - 12 LEDs, Super Bright, Soft, Auto Light Up, Safe, Waterproof, Lightweight Frisbee, Cool Birthday, Camping, Easter Basket Stuffers & Outdoor/Indoor Gift Toy for Boys/Girls/Kids#GoodFriday
TOSY Flying Ring – 12 LEDs, Super Bright, Soft, Auto Light Up, Safe, Waterproof, Lightweight Frisbee, Cool Birthday, Camping, Easter Basket Stuffers & Outdoor/Indoor Gift Toy for Boys/Girls/Kids
LEGO Bird’s Nest Building Toy Kit, Makes a Great Easter Basket Filler and Easter Gift Idea for Kids#GoodFriday
LEGO Bird’s Nest Building Toy Kit, Makes a Great Easter Basket Filler and Easter Gift Idea for Kids
LEGO Creator 3 in 1 Flowers in Watering Can Building Toy, Transforms into Rain Boot or 2 Birds, Fun Animal Toy Easter Gift for Kids, Easter Basket Stuffers for Girls and Boys#GoodFriday
LEGO Creator 3 in 1 Flowers in Watering Can Building Toy, Transforms into Rain Boot or 2 Birds, Fun Animal Toy Easter Gift for Kids, Easter Basket Stuffers for Girls and Boys
JOJO&Peach Creator 3 in 1 Flower and Cat Animal Toy Building Set, Creative Easter Gifts Toys for Kids & Adults, Boys & Girls Age 10 11 12+#GoodFriday
JOJO&Peach Creator 3 in 1 Flower and Cat Animal Toy Building Set, Creative Easter Gifts Toys for Kids & Adults, Boys & Girls Age 10 11 12+
Move2Play, Egg Toss, Hilariously Wild and Fun, Easter Basket Stuffer, Easter Gift for Kids and Toddlers, Kids Game#GoodFriday
Move2Play, Egg Toss, Hilariously Wild and Fun, Easter Basket Stuffer, Easter Gift for Kids and Toddlers, Kids Game

NATIONAL COOK A SWEET POTATO DAY

Jensperspectiveblog

Across the United States, National Cook A Sweet Potato Day on February 22nd celebrates a root vegetable packed with flavor and a bit of history, too. The sweet potato is eaten and loved, each day, by millions of people across the nation.

Either Central America or South America is thought to be the center of origin and domestication of sweet potatoes. In Central America, sweet potatoes were domesticated at least 5,000 years ago. Peruvian sweet potato remnants dating as far back as 8,000 BC have been found in South America. 

The sweet potato is an excellent source of vitamin A, which supports good vision, the immune system, and bone growth. Sweet potatoes are a good source of vitamin B-6, magnesium, and vitamin C.  It’s also great for the complexion.

The Sweet Potato Lover's Cookbook: More than 100 ways to enjoy one of the world's healthiest foods#CookASweetPotatoDay
The Sweet Potato Lover’s Cookbook: More than 100 ways to enjoy one of the world’s healthiest foods
The Sweet Potato Cookbook#CookASweetPotatoDay
The Sweet Potato Cookbook
Sweet Potato Love: 60 Recipes for Every Season#CookASweetPotatoDay
Sweet Potato Love: 60 Recipes for Every Season
Easy Sweet Potato and Yam Cookbook: 50 Delicious Sweet Potato and Yam Recipes#CookASweetPotatoDay
Easy Sweet Potato and Yam Cookbook: 50 Delicious Sweet Potato and Yam Recipes

While many Americans confuse the sweet potato with a yam, the two are different. A yam is a starchy tuber while the sweet potato is truly a sweet root vegetable. The sweet potato also comes in a variety of sizes and colors, including pale to bright orange, white and purple. High in fiber and low in fat and calories, this root vegetable is a healthful alternative to snack foods when prepared without added butter, sugar or salt.

Unlike other potatoes, sweet potatoes like long, hot growing seasons. This might explain why it is the state vegetable of North Carolina.  

When storing your sweet potatoes, keep them in a cool, dry place. However, don’t refrigerate them unless they’re cooked. Refrigeration will give them a bitter taste, ruining their sweet flavor. Cooks find numerous ways to experiment with sweet potatoes, too! 

Explore More…

HOW TO OBSERVE #CookASweetPotatoDay

No matter how you cook a sweet potato, be sure to invite someone to share it with you. What’s your favorite meal of the day? Then make a sweet potato dish! Breakfast, lunch, supper or dessert call for sweet potatoes in some form. While you’re celebrating, share your favorite dishes with us. We even have a few for you to try:

Sweet Potato Pecan Pie
Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet Potato Pineapple Casserole
Louisiana Sweet Potato PancakesSweet Potato Casserole with Crunchy Pecan ToppingSweet Potato Cake

Use #CookASweetPotatoDay to post on social media.

Sweet Potatoes (8 lb.)#CookASweetPotatoDay
Sweet Potatoes (8 lb.)
Japanese Purple Sweet Potato (1 LB)Excellent yields and flavor. Stores well.#CookASweetPotatoDay
Japanese Purple Sweet Potato (1 LB)Excellent yields and flavor. Stores well.
Jackson's Honest Sweet Potato Chips Made with Coconut Oil#CookASweetPotatoDay
Jackson’s Honest Sweet Potato Chips Made with Coconut Oil
RW GARCIA Organic Sweet Potato Crackers#CookASweetPotatoDay
RW GARCIA Organic Sweet Potato Crackers