Starting Line

6 FACTS FOR HEART HEALTH MONTH

1. The heart pumps about 2,000 gallons of blood every day.

2. The first successful open-heart surgery was performed in 1893 by an African-American surgeon in Chicago practicing at the U.S’s first interracial hospital (that he founded).

3. Your heart listens! Music can speed up or slow down your heart rate. Pump up a crowd with a fast-paced song or calm yourself with slow, relaxing music.

4. A broken heart is real. While similar in feeling to a heart attack, it occurs during a rush of stress hormones from an emotional or physical event.

5. The blue whale has the largest heart of any mammal (around 1,500 pounds).

6. A heart attack occurs every 40 seconds in the United States.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

2020 reinvigorated a movement for social justice, which many of us in the Mid-South took to heart. While we hoped 2021 would be a clean slate, we can’t ignore that discrimination, inequality, and prejudice are still the reality for many. And because of that, the achievements and influence of African-Americans can often be overlooked. Black History Month reminds us to celebrate successes and recognize the powerful role Black people have played in shaping our history and culture, especially in Memphis.

GOT FIT PHOTOS?

Send to amy@memphishealthandfitness.com and you may be featured in the next issue of H+F!