In my existence, my dad was always ‘larger than life’ — able to do anything; resilient, wise, possessing that indestructible “superman” image only a son can impart …
Nothing can shoot a guy down quicker than to have that omnipotent image of their Dad quelled by the inevitability of time and aging as well as the ravages of disease.
Highest on the list of killers of people ‘before their time’ in the United States are the Cardiovascular diseases and strokes.
As a mechanism by which to influence Americans to join the fight to stop these diseases Congress has had the president to proclaim February “American Heart Month” each year since 1963.
This particular observance is not “Heart Month” or “National Heart Month” … but “American Heart Month”.
The American Heart Association works with the administration to draft and sign this proclamation each year.
In an effort to raise funds for research and education and to circulate information about heart disease and stroke thousands of volunteers go forth and solicit contributions from their neighbors during American Heart Month.
Hopefully the progression of time will find people at large more health conscious and much less likely to engage in those lifestyle activities which preclude them to the effects of cardiovascular disease and stroke. Things like smoking tobacco, sedentary lifestyle, and poor nutrition.
My father ate well and lead a very active life. He was unable to put down that pack of cigarettes, however — so we lost him too soon. Sometimes the habits in which we engage hold us hostage despite the knowledge that the behavior is killing us. Such is the sad tale of my dad and cigarettes.