Awareness Months 2026
Each month, we shine a light on critical health topics. These observances offer powerful opportunities to raise awareness about the conditions and behaviors that impact cardiovascular and metabolic health across the lifespan. Check back regularly to see what we're highlighting and join us in educating communities, inspiring action, and advancing prevention. Together, we can reduce the burden of heart disease and stroke and promote healthier lives for all.
October
 |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
September
In This Issue:
• Key Dates
• Fast Facts + Call to Action
• Sample Newsletter Articles-Editable
• Social Media Post Sample
• Resources
Key Dates
|
August
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
July
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
June
In This Issue:
• June Key Dates and Observances
• Fast Facts + Call to Action
• Sample Newsletter Article-Editable
• Social Media Post Sample
• Resources
Key Dates
Men’s Health Month
National Employee Wellness Month
CPR & AED Awareness Week — June 1-7
Men’s Health Week — June 8-14
Family Health and Fitness Day — June 13
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
May
 |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
April
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
March
In This Issue:
• Key Dates and Observances
• March Focus, Fast Facts and a Call to Action
• Sample Newsletter Articles (Customizable)
• Social Media Post Sample
• Resources
Key Dates and Observances
National Kidney Month (U.S.) — all month (March)
National Nutrition Month® — all month (March)
World Kidney Day — Thursday, March 12, 2026
World Sleep Day — Friday, March 13, 2026
Certified Nurses Day — Thursday, March 19, 2026
American Diabetes Alert Day® — Tuesday, March 24, 2026
Fast Facts + A Call to Action
· Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is common and often unrecognized: more than 1 in 7 U.S. adults (about 35.5 million) are estimated to have chronic kidney disease, and as many as 9 in 10 adults with CKD don’t know they have it.
· Action: If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or cardiovascular disease, ask your clinician about kidney screening (eGFR blood test + uACR urine test).
· Diabetes is a major driver of kidney and heart risk. CDC’s National Diabetes Statistics Report provides current prevalence and shows millions of cases are undiagnosed.
· Action: Take a 60‑second diabetes risk test and talk with your clinician about A1C testing if you’re at increased risk.
· Sleep supports cardiovascular and metabolic health. CDC reports insufficient sleep is common across the U.S. and is linked with higher risk of chronic conditions.
· Action: Try a ‘sleep reset’—consistent sleep/wake time, a wind‑down routine, and fewer screens and brights light late at night.
· Nutrition patterns matter: CDC reports the average adult consumed about 17 teaspoons of added sugars per day (2017–2018).
· Action: Check labels for added sugars, choose water/unsweetened drinks more often, and build meals around fruits/vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
· Manage your Blood Pressure and check for hypertension
· Action: Check out Hypertension Bites webpage
Sample Email Newsletter Article #1 (Customizable)
Subject Line: National Nutrition Month®: Small Changes, Big Wins for Heart, Kidney, and Metabolic Health
Body Copy:
March is National Nutrition Month®, a reminder that what we eat most days matters more than what we eat occasionally. The good news: you don’t need a total overhaul to support your heart, kidneys, and overall energy. A handful of consistent habits — repeated week after week — can make a meaningful difference.
1) Build a “balanced plate” you can repeat
When meals feel complicated, fall back on a simple pattern:
Half the plate: non-starchy vegetables (salad greens, broccoli, peppers, tomatoes, carrots).
One quarter: lean protein (beans, lentils, fish, poultry, tofu, eggs).
One quarter: high-fiber carbs (brown rice, oats, quinoa, whole-grain bread, sweet potato).
Add a small amount of healthy fat (olive oil, nuts, seeds, avocado) for satisfaction.
This approach supports stable blood sugar, helps manage cholesterol, and keeps you full longer — without needing a strict meal plan.
2) Watch sodium (your heart and kidneys will thank you)
Many people consume more sodium than they realize, largely from processed and restaurant foods.
This month, try one change at a time:
Choose “no salt added” canned vegetables/beans when possible.
Rinse canned beans to reduce sodium.
Flavor with herbs, citrus, garlic, vinegar, and salt-free blends.
Aim for one lower-sodium swap per day (snack, soup, frozen meal, etc.).
If you’re managing high blood pressure, heart disease, or kidney disease risk, sodium awareness is one of the highest-impact changes you can make.
3) Reduce added sugar
One of the easiest wins is swapping sugary beverages. Try:
Water (sparkling or still) + lemon/lime
Unsweetened tea
Diluting juice with water
Choosing “unsweetened” versions of yogurt, cereal, and sauces when you can
You don’t have to cut sugar completely—just reduce the “hidden” sources that add up quickly.
4) Plan for busy weeks, not perfect weeks
Nutrition is easiest when you remove decision fatigue:
Pick 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 2 dinners you can rotate.
Keep quick staples on hand: frozen veggies, canned tuna/salmon, eggs, beans, bagged salad, brown rice cups.
Build a “grab-and-go” snack list: nuts, fruit, string cheese, hummus + veggies.
Quick action for this week:
Choose one goal for seven days.
Add one vegetable daily, swap one sugary drink, or pack one balanced lunch.
Small wins build momentum — and momentum is what makes change stick.
Sample Email Newsletter Article #2 (Customizable)
Subject Line: National Kidney Month: Protect Your Kidneys, Protect Your Heart
Body Copy:
March is National Kidney Month, an opportunity to raise awareness about kidney health and encourage early detection. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is common, and many people don’t realize they have it because early CKD often has no symptoms. That’s why awareness—and screening—are so important.
Why kidney health matters for heart health
Your kidneys and cardiovascular system are closely connected. The kidneys help regulate blood pressure, fluid balance, and electrolytes. When kidney function declines, the risk of cardiovascular complications increases.
The takeaway: protecting your kidneys is part of protecting your heart.
Who should pay extra attention
You may be at higher risk for CKD if you have:
Diabetes
High blood pressure
Heart disease or prior stroke
A family history of kidney disease
A history of smoking or obesity
If any of these apply, screening is especially important. Two simple tests can tell you a lot
Kidney screening typically includes:
eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate) — a blood test that reflects kidney filtering function
uACR (urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio) — a urine test that can detect early kidney damage
Ask your clinician whether you’ve had both recently. These tests help catch problems early—when there’s more time to prevent progression.
Kidney-friendly actions you can start this month
You don’t need a complicated plan. These habits support kidney and heart health together:
Know your numbers:
blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, and kidney labs
if you’re at risk: manage blood pressure, follow your care plan and take prescribed medications consistently
Choose kidney- and heart-smart nutrition: reduce sodium, limit ultra-processed foods, and aim for balanced meals
Move regularly: even short daily walks support blood pressure, weight management, and blood sugar control
Stay hydrated appropriately: choose water most often (your clinician may give specific guidance if you have heart failure/advanced CKD)
Be cautious with NSAIDs: frequent use of ibuprofen/naproxen can be hard on kidneys—ask your clinician about safer options if you use them often
Don’t ignore “silent” signs: swelling in ankles/feet, foamy urine, fatigue, or changes in urination are worth discussing (though many people have no symptoms early)
When meals feel complicated, fall back on a simple pattern:
Half the plate: non-starchy vegetables (salad greens, broccoli, peppers, tomatoes, carrots)
One quarter: lean protein (beans, lentils, fish, poultry, tofu, eggs)
One quarter: high-fiber carbs (brown rice, oats, quinoa, whole-grain bread, sweet potato)
Add a small amount of healthy fat (olive oil, nuts, seeds, avocado) for satisfaction.
This approach supports stable blood sugar, helps manage cholesterol, and keeps you full longer—without needing a strict meal plan.
2) Watch sodium (your heart and kidneys will thank you)
Many people consume more sodium than they realize, largely from processed and restaurant foods.
This month, try one change at a time:
Choose “no salt added” canned vegetables/beans when possible
Rinse canned beans to reduce sodium
Flavor with herbs, citrus, garlic, vinegar, and salt-free blends
Aim for one lower-sodium swap per day (snack, soup, frozen meal, etc.)
If you’re managing high blood pressure, heart disease, or kidney disease risk, sodium awareness is one of the highest-impact changes you can make.
Social Media Post Samples
National Nutrition Month® (all March)
National Nutrition Month® reminder: small changes add up. Try one win this week—add a veggie at lunch, swap one sugary drink for water, or build a balanced plate. #NationalNutritionMonth
X-short: Small food swaps = big health wins. #NationalNutritionMonth
Build a repeatable “balanced plate”: ½ veggies, ¼ protein, ¼ whole grains—plus healthy fats. Simple, realistic, and good for heart and kidney health. #HealthyHabitt
X-short: ½ veg • ¼ protein • ¼ whole grains. Repeat. #HealthyHabits
Sodium hides in packaged and restaurant foods. This week: try one lower-sodium swap per day (soup, snack, frozen meal). Your blood pressure—and kidneys—will thank you. #HeartHealth #KidneyHealth
X-short: One lower-sodium swap today. #KidneyHealth #HeartHealth
National Kidney Month (all March)
National Kidney Month: kidney disease can be silent early on. If you have diabetes or high blood pressure, ask about kidney screening: eGFR (blood) + uACR (urine). #NationalKidneyMonth
X-short: Ask about eGFR + uACR. #NationalKidneyMonth
Protect your kidneys, protect your heart. Healthy BP + healthy blood sugar reduce kidney strain over time—start with one habit you can keep. #KidneyHealth #HeartHealth
X-short: Kidneys + heart are connected. #KidneyHealth
World Kidney Day is March 12. Share one action: schedule labs, take a kidney risk quiz, or talk with your clinician about eGFR + uACR testing. #WorldKidneyDay
X-short: #WorldKidneyDay (Mar 12): ask about eGFR + uACR.
Interconnectedness (Nutrition ↔ Kidney Health)
Food is kidney care. What you eat impacts blood pressure, blood sugar, and fluid balance—three big drivers of kidney and heart health. Start with one change: lower sodium, add fiber, or swap sugary drinks. #Nutrition #KidneyHealth #HeartHealth
X-short: Food is kidney care. #Nutrition #KidneyHealth
Kidney-friendly eating often looks like heart-healthy eating: more fruits/veg, more fiber, less sodium, fewer ultra-processed foods. Simple choices, big protection. #NationalNutritionMonth #NationalKidneyMonth
X-short: Kidney-friendly = heart-healthy (often). #KidneyHealth
Diabetes prevention is kidney prevention. Balanced meals and fewer sugary drinks help protect kidney filters over time. #DiabetesAlertDay (Mar 24) is a great time to take a risk test. #KidneyHealth
X-short: Diabetes prevention = kidney protection. #DiabetesAlertDay
World Sleep Day (Mar 13) tie-in (optional)
Sleep supports metabolism and blood pressure—two key drivers of heart and kidney health. For World Sleep Day (Mar 13), try a 7-day “sleep reset”: consistent bedtime + screen-free wind-down. #WorldSleepDay
X-short: Sleep = health. Try a 7-day reset. #WorldSleepDay
Resources
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (EatRight)
National Nutrition Month® hub
National Nutrition Month® resources (tip sheets, activity handouts, PowerPoint, proclamations)
Quarterly social media toolkits
American Diabetes Association (ADA)
Type 2 Diabetes Risk Test (60 seconds)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
National Diabetes Statistics Report (2026)
Tracking and Preventing Kidney Disease in America
Sleep facts & stats
Added sugars (data + research)
Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity
Prediabetes risk test
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK/NIH)
National Kidney Month main page
National Kidney Month toolkit
Kidney disease statistics
National Kidney Foundation (NKF)
National Kidney Month
Kidney Risk Quiz
Kidney Risk Toolkit
National Forum for Heart Disease & Stroke Prevention
Unseen and Untreated — kidney + heart health virtual convening (March 12, 2026) Register Here
Move with the Mayor®
Know Your Numbers
World Kidney Day (March 12)
World Kidney Day official site
2026 campaign page (theme + materials)
2026 Activities Guide (web page)
2026 Activities Guide (PDF)
World Sleep Society / World Sleep Day (March13)
World Sleep Day official site
World Sleep Day toolkit
Become a delegate
Professional Recognition
Certified Nurses Day (March 19 annually)
February
In This Issue:
- Fast Facts
- Calls to Action
- Sample Email Newsletter Article (Customizable)
- Social Media Post Samples
- Resources (by organization)
- Key Dates and Events (Weeks & Days)
Fast Facts
Heart disease is still #1. In 2023, an estimated ~919,000 people died from cardiovascular disease; that’s about 1 in 3 deaths.
High blood pressure is common. Roughly 48–49% of adults had hypertension during 2021–2023. Control remains suboptimal nationwide.
Activity gap. Only about 47% of adults meet aerobic activity guidelines; just ~24% meet both aerobic and strength targets.
Cholesterol remains a risk. 11.3% of adults had high total cholesterol (2021–2023), and only ~54.5% of adults who could benefit from cholesterol medicine take it.
Too much sodium. Americans average >3,300 mg/day—well above the recommended <2,300 mg/day for teens and adults.
Calls to Action
Wear red and post on Friday, Feb 6 (tag #WearRedDay and #HeartMonth). Share women’s heart resources and local stories.
Amplify #OurHearts prompts from National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) and use CDC’s Heart Month toolkit for facts, posts, and graphics. #OurHearts
Promote enrollment in Cardiac Rehabilitation and thank CV professionals; celebrate CR Week (Feb 8–14) and CVP Week (Feb 7–15).
Share Heart Failure Awareness Week tools and a quick symptom checklist; invite caregivers to resources and events. Heart Failure Awareness Week
Highlight CHD family resources and stories during Feb 7–14; include congenital programs from member orgs.
Educate on valve disease signs/symptoms ahead of Feb 22 (National Heart Valve Disease Awareness Day). National Heart Valve Disease Awareness Day
Keep a prevention drumbeat all month: Know Your Numbers; Move with the Mayor® activations; tobacco cessation and medication adherence reminders. Move with the Mayor Know Your Numbers
Sample Email Newsletter Article (Customizable)
Subject Line: February is American Heart Month — Wear Red, Know Your Numbers, and Help Hearts Thrive Know Your Numbers
Body Copy:
American Heart Month
Join us in elevating prevention, early detection, and recovery this February. Start with National Wear Red Day® on Friday, Feb 6 to spotlight women’s heart health. Throughout the month, pair simple prevention tips with stories from patients, caregivers, and heart teams. National Wear Red Day
Know Your Numbers Know Your Numbers
Make an appointment to check blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar—and encourage a friend to do the same. Share our short videos and social copy to help people take the first step.
Move More (and Feel Better)
Regular movement boosts heart health and mood. Try a 10–15 minute midday walk, add a 2‑minute stretch break to meetings, and join local Move with the Mayor® activities to stay accountable with your community. Move with the Mayor
Recover Stronger
If you or a loved one has had a heart event, ask about cardiac rehabilitation (CR). CR saves lives and helps people return to the activities they love.
This Week in February
- Feb 7–14: CHD Awareness Week — share congenital heart resources
• Feb 7–15: Cardiovascular Professionals Week — thank your heart team
• Feb 8–14: Cardiac Rehabilitation Week — encourage eligible patients to enroll
• Feb 8–14: Heart Failure Awareness Week — share patient & caregiver tools
• Feb 20: National Caregivers Day — highlight caregiver supports
• Feb 22: National Heart Valve Disease Awareness Day — share valve disease signs & resources Cardiac Rehabilitation Week Heart Failure Awareness Week National Caregivers Day National Heart Valve Disease Awareness Day
Wear red on Feb 6, book a preventive visit to know your numbers, move a little more each day, and help someone you know connect with cardiac rehab or caregiver support.
Social Media Post Samples
National Wear Red Day® (Feb 6) National Wear Red Day
Wear red with us Friday, Feb 6 to shine a light on women’s heart health. Post a pic in red, tag a friend, and share one step you’re taking for your heart. #WearRedDay #HeartMonth
Know Your Numbers (all month) Know Your Numbers
Heart disease is largely preventable. Make an appointment to check blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar—and help a friend do the same. #KnowYourNumbers #OurHearts #OurHearts
CHD Awareness Week (Feb 7–14)
It’s CHD Awareness Week—help celebrate Heart Heroes and share CHD resources for families and clinicians. #CHDAwarenessWeek
Cardiac Rehab Week (Feb 8–14)
Cardiac rehab saves lives and improves quality of life. Celebrate your CR team and encourage eligible patients to enroll. #CRWeek2026
CV Professionals Week (Feb 7–15)
From cath lab to echo, we’re grateful for the pros who keep hearts beating. #CVPWeek
Heart Failure Awareness Week (Feb 8–14) Heart Failure Awareness Week
Share HFSA’s patient tools and invite caregivers to the week’s learning events. #HFWeek
National Caregivers Day (Feb 20) National Caregivers Day
Today we honor caregivers—the backbone of heart health at home. Share local supports and say “thank you.” #NationalCaregiversDay
Valve Disease Day (Feb 22)
Valve disease is common but often silent. Know the signs and share the Valve Disease Day toolkit. #ValveDiseaseDay
Resources (by organization)
Alliance for Aging Research — Valve Disease Day
- Valve Disease Day social toolkit and partner actions (Feb 22) Valve Disease Day social toolkit
American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR) — Cardiac Rehabilitation Week
- CR Week 2026 Marketing Toolkit — graphics, posters, media assets CR Week 2026 Marketing Toolkit
American College of Cardiology (ACC)
- CardioSmart — patient education hub and Heart Month features CardioSmart
American Heart Association (AHA)
- Wear Red Day activation guide + social assets Wear Red Day activation guide
- American Heart Month
Association of Black Cardiologists
CDC
- CDC Heart Month Communications Toolkit — facts, posts, graphics CDC Heart Month Communications Toolkit
- Heart Failure Society of American (HFSA) — Heart Failure Awareness Week
Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation
- Webinar: Empowering Hearts to Save Lives: From Awareness to Action – American Heart Month 2026
NHLBI
- NHLBI American Heart Month hub (#OurHearts) — daily calendar + outreach toolkit NHLBI American Heart Month hub #OurHearts
Million Hearts®
- National initiative resources (prevention, partners) Million Hearts
Preventive Cardiovascular Nurses Association (PCNA)
- Patient education library — prevention and management materials Patient education library
WomenHeart
- Programs & events for women’s heart health during Heart Month Programs & events for women’s heart health
Mended Hearts
- Patient & family Go-To Guides; CHD awareness activities Go-To Guides CHD awareness activities
Key Dates and Events
Weeks:
- Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week — Feb 7–14 Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week
- Cardiovascular Professionals Appreciation Week — Feb 7–15 Cardiovascular Professionals Appreciation Week
- Cardiac Rehabilitation Week — Feb 8–14 Cardiac Rehabilitation Week
- Heart Failure Awareness Week — Feb 8–14 Heart Failure Awareness Week
Days:
- National Wear Red Day® — Fri, Feb 6 National Wear Red Day
- National Caregivers Day — Fri, Feb 20 National Caregivers Day
- National Heart Valve Disease Awareness Day — Sun, Feb 22 National Heart Valve Disease Awareness Day
January
Healthy Resolutions for a New Year
|
||
|
||
|
|
||
|
||
|
|
||
|
||
|
|
||
|
||
|
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
|
||
|
||
|
