Since 1963, February has been declared American Heart Month. This month is dedicated to raising awareness about cardiovascular diseases, including heart disease and stroke, which are the nation's first and third leading causes of death, respectively. Throughout the month, funds are raised for increased research and education.

This month also marks the important "Go Red for Women" initiative, designed to raise public awareness of the fact that heart disease is the number-one killer of women. Many people still consider heart disease a "man's disease." This initiative helps to dispel this myth and increase awareness of the importance of heart health for women.

To read this month's Nutrition Spotlight, go to: http://www.ncpad.org/806/4191/Nutrition~Spotlight~-~February~~2010~~~Be~Kind~to~Your~
Heart.