Newsletter Feature - DC

Heart disease and stroke claim more than 20 million lives around the world each year. On September 29^th, the World Heart Federation and partners around the world remind people to take care of their hearts.  The American Heart Association is proud to partner with the World Heart Federation to raise awareness and invite people to act for better heart health.

Next week marks the end of the 2023 legislative session in Virginia. This whirlwind session still managed to keep us on our toes as several issues came up that our advocacy team and advocates took action on to address heart health in the Commonwealth.

We are pleased to announce an exciting development in DC Council! Last week, Council Member and Health Committee Chair, Christina Henderson, along with 7 other members of Council, introduced a bill which would provide healthy school meals for all DC students, regardless of income.

Food insecurity is an issue that impacts many families, especially since COVID. Some families who were living in the margins before, are more likely to be impacted by food insecurity now. What is food insecurity? Simply put- it’s when someone isn’t always able to count on the security of their next meal. Many people have been laid off, placing a deeper burden on families. With children staying home, the food security of school can be lost, placing additional burdens on families. Often, fresh produce can be seen as unaffordable compared to prepared or processed food or even unavailable in some communities.

Water plays an important role in maintaining overall health. Drinking water supports muscles, joints, and tissues; improves the digestive system; and keeps bodies hydrated. This is vital to the well being of children and their growth. Drinking water helps with learning as well. If a child is well hydrated, they can see better results in their efforts in school. Staying well hydrated helps improve short-term memory, fine motor skills, and visual attention – all things that help the success of kids in the classroom and beyond.  But- how kids hydrate also matters.

Our mission is to be a relentless force for a heart-healthy world—and we cannot do it without you. So, we have a request, and this one is simple.

We are hoping you can change some HEARTS and minds.

Do you have a connection with a local legislator, school board member, state representative, state senator, member of Congress, or anyone with government influence? If so, you may be the best channel to influence their HEARTS by advocating with yours.

As we begin the holiday season, so too do we begin the start of all our favorite yummy, cozy, tasty treats that we all love and sometimes wait all season to enjoy. But, this is also a time where we can get off track with our goals of making healthier food choices. This is all the more difficult when access to healthier foods is a struggle. Here are some tips for how you can have a heart healthier holiday season – and help ensure others have a good shot at one too.

As we know, heart health policies are critical to the well-being of people of all ages and backgrounds. In DC, we have had a big push recently to focus on equitable solutions to some of the regions most serious threats to longer, healthier lives. In 2022, we will be building on the support we've been growing so we can see even more heart healthier impacts to local communities. Our newly released policy priorities focus on how we can do just that. 

Are you looking for more ways to be active and getting around your community? The good news is that all residents have the right to ask their local governments to pass the Complete Streets policy.  When communities pass Complete Streets, streets will include bike lanes, sidewalks, crosswalks, and curb ramps. These roadway features increase accessibility to schools, parks, and playgrounds for all residents, improving everyone’s health by making it easier and safer to be active.