February is home to American Heart Month, a time when all people are encouraged to focus on heart health to prevent the risk of ailments. We recognize that heart health is your wealth in the Department of Transportation. As reported by the CDC, 1 in 2 adults in the United States have hypertension, yet only 1 in 4 have it under control. This month we are using #HeartHealthyCommute to promote how using different modes of transportation can be beneficial to your overall health and wellbeing. To support our initiative in this article and across our communication channels, we will be promoting research materials and programs from the CDC and the Bull City’s own Center for Advanced Hindsight research team.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Million Hearts® partnered with the CDC Foundation to create “Start Small. Live Big.” This campaign strives to remind people nationwide to prioritize cardiovascular health as COVID-19 continues to impact our society. By emphasizing going to the doctor, eating healthy, and getting active, this campaign corresponds well with the messages of our transportation demand management initiative #HeartHealthyCommute. Getting physically active can be quite the challenge; however, the trick is to begin slowly to learn your pace. #HeartHealthyCommute means getting out of your car and using a different mode of transportation, such as biking or walking, if you can. Choosing to make a #HeartHealthyCommute to work or for everyday errands can make a lasting impact on your health.
As reported by the Center for Advanced Hindsight, “the use of transportation modes and transit that requires first-mile/last-mile connections have a multitude of health benefits realized through increased physical activity.” Our work focuses on reducing single-occupancy vehicle commutes into Downtown Durham in the Department of Transportation. Reliance on cars has shown significant contributions to chronic and respiratory illness increases within the United States. By reducing single-occupancy vehicle commutes, we can increase respiratory and cardiovascular health benefits.
This American Heart Month, commit to learning about different transportation modes by signing up to ShareTheRideNC. This online platform will help you decide which method of transportation will work best for you as you commute across and around the Bull City. Start today; your heart will thank you later!
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