American Heart Association

08/31/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/31/2026 21:12

September features AFib, P.A.D. and Cholesterol Education, Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15-Oct.15), Self-Improvement Month and more...

National Hispanic Heritage Month Sept. 15-Oct. 15

Did You know:

  • Through the National Hispanic Latino Cardiovascular Collaborative (NHLCC), the American Heart Association is bringing together experts, mentors and emerging health professionals to help close health gaps and create a healthier future for Latino communities. Learn more on how to be part of this mission.

The American Heart Association / American Stroke Association Spanish language stroke prevention website promotes R.Á.P.I.D.O., a culturally relevant Spanish acronym, to raise awareness of common stroke symptoms.

Transcripción Infográfica: R.Á.P.I.D.O.
R - Rostro caído​ (Face drooping)
Á - Alteración del equilibrio​ (Loss of Balance, or Lack of Coordination)
P - Pérdida de fuerza en el brazo​ (Arm weakness)
I - Impedimento visual repentino​ (Sudden vision difficulty)
D - Dificultad para hablar​ (Slurred or Strange Speech)
O - Obtener ayuda, llamar al 911 (Get help, call 911)

Tome medidas para prevenir el derrame cerebral ahora para poder estar presente más adelante. Obtenga más información en Stroke.org/Espanol.

English news release: The American Stroke Association highlights how recognizing B.E. F.A.S.T. warning signs and acting quickly can help people get lifesaving care sooner

National Fruit & Veggie Month - An easy first step to eating healthy is to add fruits & veggies at every meal/snack. Healthy Eating Tips

Sept. 16th is National Guacamole Day - Check out a heart-healthy Guacamole Deviled Eggs recipe for a twist.

International Eat An Apple Day is Sept. 19th - Whole-wheat Apple Pancake Recipe

Help your children develop healthy eating habits early in life that will bring lifelong benefits.

Healthy eating tips for the whole family

Be a role model for an active lifestyle. Start moving more yourself and find ways to be active together as a family.

Physical activity tips for the whole family

copyright American Heart Association

As summer wraps up and kids head back to the classrooms, it's important to recognize how young people spend their free time could impact their heart health.

According to the American Heart Association, too much screen time and unhealthy on-the-go eating habits could make for some hard lessons in poor heart health in the future.

Keep busy kids focused on heart health | Spanish news release

More September Calendar Highlights

Peripheral Artery Disease (P.A.D.) Awareness Month

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) can affect blood flow to the legs and feet, and early detection can be important. If you notice leg discomfort, cramping or weakness, consider learning more about P.A.D. symptoms and resources.

National Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Month

Atrial fibrillation or AFib is an irregular heartbeat that may increase the risk of stroke, heart failure and other heart-related complications. Learn more about atrial fibrillation and its symptoms.

National Cholesterol Education Month

Cholesterol is a waxy substance. It's not inherently "bad." Your body needs it to build cells. But too much can pose a problem. Understand your cholesterol numbers and talk with your health care professional about ways to support heart health. Explore cholesterol and lipid health resources.
Find answers to your questions about cholesterol here.

Healthy Aging | National Self-Care Awareness | Self-Improvement Month

Meaningful change often starts with one small step. Whether it's moving more, practicing mindfulness or building a healthier routine, explore ideas from Healthy for Good™ to find an approach that works for you.

The American Heart Association's checklist to measure cardiovascular health - Life's Essential 8™, adds healthy sleep as essential for optimal cardiovascular health along with other health and lifestyle factors like nicotine exposure, physical activity, diet, weight, blood glucose, cholesterol and blood pressure.

Life's Essential 8 Health and Well-Being Tips

Remember to focus on small habits that support your well-being.

Consider creating a consistent bedtime routine and exploring ways to improve sleep quality through healthy sleep habits.

Infographic transcript (doc) | Infographic in Spanish

September 15 - Get Ready Day

National Preparedness Month

The American Heart Association has important tips to prepare for hurricanes and other natural disasters that can negatively impact physical and mental health - Community Resources.
In addition, here are some quick tips for being prepared in an emergency:
  • Take time now to write down any medical conditions, allergies and medications, including doses and the time you take medications, along with your pharmacy name, address and phone number. Keep the information with any other "go-kit" items you have handy for quick evacuation.
  • If you do need to evacuate, even temporarily, bring your medications and your health information with you in a resealable plastic bag to help keep it dry.
  • If your medication is lost, damaged by water or was left behind when you evacuated, research open pharmacies and seek a refill as quickly as possible.
  • Some states allow pharmacists to make medically necessary exceptions on certain types of prescription refills during an emergency. Information on all state emergency prescription refill laws is available here.
  • Use the AHA's Patient Preparedness Plan if you have diabetes and use insulin. There you'll find a checklist of supplies and for guidelines on how to prepare for an emergency.

National One-Hit Wonders Day is Sept. 25th

Check out these 'one hit wonders' with 100-120bpm - perfect for Hands Only CPR:

Macarena by Los Del Rio - 103.2 BPM

Come on Eileen by Dexy's Midnight Runners - 108.8 BPM

Ice Ice Baby by Vanilla Ice - 115.7 BPM

The Hustle by Van McCoy - 111.6 BPM

Nothing Compares 2 U by Sinéad O'Connor - 120.0 BPM

Play That Funky Music by Wild Cherry - 109.7 BPM

Too Shy by Kajagoogoo - 109.8 BPM

Seasons in the Sun by Terry Jacks - 100.2 BPM

Unbelievable by EMF - 104.1 BPM

Got to Be Real by Cheryl Lynn - 114.7 BPM

Relax by Frankie Goes to Hollywood - 115.0 BPM

Hot Child in the City by Nick Gilder - 110.8 BPM

Sept. 7 - Labor Day - Thinking about grilling some food on your day off? Consider these heart healthy recipes.

and Buy a Book Day - Check out these heart healthy cookbooks from the American Heart Association.

It's National Yoga Awareness Month and Sept. 13 - Positive Thinking Day - Our physical and mental health can impact on our heart health. How to stay healthy, even when you're down.

Sept. 13 - 17 - Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week: Learn more about the American Heart Association's HBCU Scholars Program.
Sept. 29 - World Heart Day - Better cardiovascular health helps lower the risk of heart disease, stroke and other major health problems.

Sept. 30 - National Women's Health & Fitness Day - Take time to prioritize your health by moving more, knowing your numbers and connecting with a supportive community.
Join #GoRedGetFit for fitness challenges, motivation and heart-healthy living tips.

American Heart Association published this content on August 31, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on September 01, 2026 at 03:12 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]