February is National Heart Month

American Heart Month, a federally designated event, is an ideal time to remind Americans to focus on their hearts and encourage them to get their families, friends and communities involved. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. The good news? It is also one of the most preventable.

• The first American Heart Month, which took place in February 1964, was proclaimed by President Lyndon B. Johnson via Proclamation 3566 on December 30, 1963.
• Chances are, we all know someone affected by heart disease and stroke, because about 2,300 Americans die of cardiovascular disease each day, an average of 1 death every 38 seconds. But together we can change that!
• Laughing may increase overall health. Research suggests a good laugh can increase your blood flow by 20%. The positive effects of this can last for 24 hours.
• The #1 killer of women in America is heart disease, more deadly than all forms of cancer combined. 1 and 4 women will die of heart disease.
• An adult heart pumps more than a gallon of blood per minute – enough to fill 38,000 drinking glasses each day!
• More than 67 million people have high blood pressure.

Take Control of Your Life:

• Find time to be active. Aim for at least 150 minutes of physical activity  per week. Invite fitness buddies on an afternoon stroll, try an exercise class, or challenge the whole family to a soccer match.
• Make healthy eating a habit. Small changes in your eating habits can make a big difference. Try making healthier versions of your favorite recipes. How? Look for ways to lower sodium and trans fat, and add more fruits and vegetables.
• Quit tobacco—for good. Smoking cigarettes and using other tobacco products affects nearly every organ in your body, including your heart.Quitting can be tough, but it can be easier when you feel supported. Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) today or start with Tips from Former Smokers^® .

Have fun and check out this blog weekly for fun things to do in Wayne County.

~ Shop the Block Feb 2nd All day. Shop for your sweeties and take advantage of great savings downtown for one weekend only.

~ Heart and Sole 2018 Half Marathon and 5k. Location Village of Walnut Creek starting at $25. Supports the Y’s Financial Assistance Program. For mor einfo www.goldsboroymca.org

~ First Friday! The opening receptions for Benjamin Frederick and Jr. Women’s were postponed twice in January due to a water leak, so we will consider this First Friday as the reception! Come join us for snacks, wine, beautiful art, and good company. Free admission. 6pm to 8pm at the Arts Council

~ Feb 3rd 5-8 pm Mystery masterpieces and beer tasting. Visit the Arts Council for the annual Mystery Masterpieces and Beer Tasting fundraiser. Local artist paint and donate 8X8 canvases. For more information 919-736-3300

~ Feb 3rd 10:00 am to 11:00am Join us on the first Saturday of each month for a story time where we will talk, sing and read together. No registration is necessary to attend. For more information, contact the Goldsboro children’s department at 919-735-1824, ext. 2.

~ Feb 3rd and 4th the Carolina Games Summit from 10am to 9pm in downtown Goldsboro. Will feature speakers, video game tournaments, booth, trading card etc..Tickets are $10. www.CarolinaGamesSummit.com.

~ Starting Feb 7th The Crucible will be performed by the Center Stage Theatre at the Paramount Theatre. Reserved Seating tickets: $13-15. 919-583-8432

~ February 5, 2018, 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM @ Fremont Library. Discover new books and build Lego creations! Lego and books provided–Remember your library card! Please register at the Fremont or Pikeville Library or call us at 919-705-1893 or 1892.

~ February 7, 2018, 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM @ Goldsboro Library. Come and enjoy a time of discovering the joy of singing, reading, and playing with your baby. Babies up to 2 years old are welcome with their parents. No registration is necessary.

~ February 7, 2018, 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM @ Fremont Library. There will be singing, dancing, crafts, reading and learning. Please register at the Fremont or Pikeville Libraries or call us at 919-705-1893 or 1892.

~ February 6, 2018 Wayne County Free Communities of Color Attorney Lisa Henderson will discuss her research about two local clusters of free people of color. Wayne County Public Library  919-735-1824