American Heart Month is a time when the spotlight turns to the leading cause of death in the United States: heart disease. At Guardians of the Heart, we use February to challenge the misconception that heart health only matters later in life. Our youth chapters step up as educators and advocates, hosting school-wide heart health weeks, community expert panels, and tabling at health fairs with heart-month-themed materials and giveaways designed to spark curiosity and conversation.

We also launch social media campaigns, distribute easy-to-understand resources on cholesterol, blood pressure, and healthy eating, and collaborate with local partners to provide free screenings. Every activity is designed to engage youth where they are—whether in classrooms, on TikTok, or in their communities—with content that’s both educational and entertaining.

February also includes National Wear Red Day, held annually on the first Friday of the month. We encourage students, educators, and community members to wear red in solidarity to honor those affected by heart disease and raise visibility for the importance of prevention.

Together, these efforts make February a launchpad for lifelong habits, with youth leading the way toward a more heart-conscious culture.