Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The American Samoa Government has declared the month of February as the territory’s heart month, and month long activities and awareness campaigns will be held throughout the month.

A declaration issued late last month by Acting Governor Talauega E. V. Ale says that heart disease continues to be the greatest health threat to Americans and is the leading cause of death for men, women and people of most racial and ethnic groups in the United States.

“American Samoa's death rate from cardiovascular disease is twice as high [per capita] as in the continental United States; and one person dies every 34 seconds in the United States from cardiovascular disease.

Rheumatic heart disease is expected to cause considerable lifelong disability in American Samoa, where it is approximately 10 times more common than in the continental United States; and that heart disease is preventable when people adopt a healthy lifestyle, which includes not smoking or vaping, maintaining a healthy weight, controlling blood sugar and cholesterol, treating high blood pressure, getting moderate-intensity physical activity weekly and getting regular checkups, the declaration says.

Friday, 3 February 2023, is National Wear Red Day to honor those we have been lost to heart disease and to raise awareness of the actions we can all take to prevent it, During February 2023 we will celebrate a month-long series of awareness campaigns, educational activities, collaborative events, and media coverage about heart disease prevention and treatment, according to the declaration.

“I urge all citizens to show their support for the fight against heart disease by commemorating this month (February) as American Heart Month. By increasing awareness, speaking out about heart disease, and empowering others to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, we can save many lives and improve the quality of life for many more. LIFE is why!”