American Heart Association
06/30/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 06/30/2026 20:23
July is Minority Mental Health Awareness Month plus Protect Your Heart in the Heat this summer!
Extreme heat is rising - and so is the risk to your heart.
The American Heart Association urges extra precautions as temperatures climb nationwide
Think you're ready to brave the heat? It's best to avoid the outdoors in the early afternoon (about noon to 3 p.m.) because the sun is usually at its strongest, putting you at higher risk for heat-related illnesses. More tips here and below.
Full text - Heat Stroke vs. Stroke Infographic
Heat Stroke vs Stroke - Do you Know the Difference?
Warning Signs:
Heat Stroke: Body temperature of 104° F or higher is the main sign.
Other signs include:
- Confusion
- Headache
- Hot and dry skin (when not exercising)
- Fast pulse or racing heart
- Flushed or red skin
- Loss of consciousness
- Nausea
- Rapid, shallow breathing
- Vomiting
Stroke: B.E. F.A.S.T.
B - Balance Loss
E - Eye (Vision) Changes
F - Face Drooping
A - Arm Weakness
S - Speech Difficulty
T - Time to Call 911
Other signs of stroke include sudden trouble seeing, dizziness, confusion, severe headache, or weakness on one side of the body.
How to Stay Active in Warm Weather
When the temperature goes up in the summer months, exercising outside can become challenging. Even heat-loving, sun-seeking exercisers can become overheated when the sun is beaming down in the heat of the day.
Staying active this summer as a 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 should be fun for children and adolescents. Encourage kids to keep trying activities to discover the ones they like and will stick with long term.
Reduce or limit sedentary screen time, including watching television, playing video games and using a digital device.
Provide kids with opportunities to be active. Give them active toys and games, like bikes, skateboards, roller skates, scooters, jump ropes, balls and sports equipment.
Get familiar with community facilities near you, like pools, recreation centers, bike paths and parks.
Dress for success. Whether you are working or working out outside, Wearing lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothes, especially moisture-wicking fabric, can be a big help. Protect yourself from the sun with sunglasses, a hat or visor and plenty of sweat-resistant sunscreen.
Listen to your body. Take frequent breaks in the shade, and drink water before you're thirsty. Allow yourself time to adapt to the heat. Some experts say that this can take about 4-14 days. Keep in mind that you may not be able to work out as long or as hard as usual when it's very hot.
More July Calendar Highlights
7/24 - 8/30 - National Fishing Month - 10 Ways to Relax in Nature and Stress Less
7/3-8/11 - Dog Days of Summer -
7/4 - Independence Day: Holiday celebrations often mean time outdoors. Stay mindful of the heat by taking these steps to be safe in the heat.
7/11 - National Swimming Pool Day - Staying Safe in the Water
7/25 - National Drowning Prevention Day - Join our Nation of Lifesavers and learn CPR. The American Heart Association recommends CPR rescue breaths along with chest compressions in cases of drowning.
July 7 is National Day of Rock 'n' Roll
Tune in to some rock songs the American Heart Association's 'Don't Drop the Beat' playlist, which are between 100-120 per minute, the same rate at which you should perform compressions when doing CPR. Join our Nations of Lifesavers.
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Video: 4 Ways To Make This Summer Safe and Fun
Transcript (doc) | Video copyright American Heart Association 2025
Song: Tropical Summer Night/ Royalty Free
7/31 - National Avocado Day - Try these avocado recipes for this summer
National Blueberry Month - Check out these recipes for everything from heart healthy muffins to smoothies.
National Watermelon Month - Beat the heat with hydrating foods this summer.
Minority Mental Health Awareness Month
Mental health can positively or negatively impact your physical health and risk factors for heart disease and stroke, according to "Psychological Health, Well-Being, and the Mind-Heart-Body Connection," a scientific statement in the American Heart Association journal Circulation.
Stress may contribute to poor health behaviors linked to increased risk for heart disease and stroke, such as:
- Smoking
- Overeating
- Lack of physical activity
- Unhealthy diet
- Being overweight
- Not taking medications as prescribed
Resources:
- Combatting stress to improve the heart health of the Hispanic/Latino community (AHA News release)
- Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander adults less likely to receive mental health services despite growing need (AHA News release)
- Mental Health and Wellbeing Tips | Self-Care Isn't Selfish Infographic
- More stress reduction tips | infographic text
More Resources:
- American Heart Association Fact Sheets
- Follow the latest National Science and Program News and Your Local News (search by category/region)
Follow @HeartNews | Connect with us
American Heart Association published this content on June 30, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on July 01, 2026 at 02:23 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]