Yingling Raises Awareness on American Heart Month

ROUND LAKE BEACH, Ill. – With February being American Heart Month, state Rep. Sam Yingling, D-Grayslake, is encouraging residents to learn about ways they can help keep their hearts healthy.

“While we are all focusing on staying healthy by doing our part to combat the COVID-19 virus, it is important that we do not neglect other aspects of our health,” said Yingling. “Regardless of income, people deserve access to affordable healthcare services, and I will continue working with my colleagues in Springfield to ensure that residents can receive the care they need, no matter what.”

According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NIH), heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Despite this, there are many ways that residents can work to prevent heart disease. The NIH recommends residents have daily physical exercise, eat meals low in sodium and unhealthy fats, keep medical appointments, and sleep seven to eight hours a day. In addition, the NIH recommends managing stress and maintaining positive, close relationships to keep a healthy heart.

Since joining the General Assembly, Yingling has worked to keep residents healthy. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he worked to secure hundreds of millions of dollars in new funding for COVID testing and other related services. Yingling also supported legislation to stop the emissions of ethylene oxide, which causes cancer in the communities of the plants that use the chemical. He has also brought health services directly into his district by hosting health fairs.

“While there are many pressing issues facing our state, there is nothing more important than the health and safety of my constituents,” said Yingling. “I highly encourage residents to use this opportunity to learn about the many fun and easy ways that they can keep their heart healthy.”

For more information and tips on how to maintain heart health, please visit the NIH’s website at https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/education-and-awareness/heart-month.