Fort Wayne, IND. – Feb. 5, 2025 – As February begins, the Parkview Heart Institute (PHI) is encouraging residents to turn their attention to their own heart health, using American Heart Month as a reminder to focus on habits and resources that support long‑term cardiovascular wellness.
Once again this February, Parkview is offering multiple opportunities for patients to learn more about heart-healthy habits and resources available to evaluate and improve their cardiovascular health.
“Heart health is about more than preventing disease—it’s about supporting longevity and quality of life,” said Dr. Roy Robertson, president, Parkview Heart Institute. “Many people underestimate how everyday factors like physical activity, stress and sleep affect their long-term heart health. The encouraging news is that consistent, small changes—such as staying active, eating well and working with your care team—can have a meaningful impact over time.”
The Parkview Heart Institute, which is in alliance with the Cleveland Clinic Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute, is offering multiple education and awareness opportunities starting this month.
Each year, the Cleveland Clinic surveys* Americans about heart health, and the 2026 report explores how well people understand their personal risk factors and the everyday behaviors that influence longevity. The survey found that nearly 1 in 4 Americans (24%) aren’t sure whether they are at increased risk for heart disease, despite 69% reporting at least one known risk factor such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, family history, obesity, poor diet or a sedentary lifestyle. While 70% of Americans believe the heart is in peak condition in a person’s 20s or 30s, nearly all respondents (95%) agree there are steps people can take at any stage of life to improve longevity and reduce heart disease risk.
The survey also shows Americans view longevity as achievable through daily habits rather than expensive or elite medical treatments. When asked what longevity means to them, respondents prioritized staying physically active and mobile (62%), maintaining cognitive health (56%) and preserving independence and quality of life (56%), while fewer than 1 in 10 associated longevity with costly medical care. Exercise (41%) and eating a balanced diet (25%) were identified as the most effective ways to protect heart health. Although many Americans report increased stress, less sleep and weight gain over the past decade, most (84%) say they have made at least one positive health change. Still, awareness gaps remain, with nearly half of Americans unaware that diabetes increases heart disease risk and more than 4 in 10 not recognizing physical inactivity as a major contributor.
These findings underscore the ongoing need for education around heart disease risk factors, lifestyle choices, and preventive care to support healthy aging and longevity.
As part of American Heart Month, Parkview encourages community members to take a proactive approach to their heart health by completing the Heart Disease Risk Assessment. The free, five-minute online assessment helps individuals better understand their risk factors and identify steps they can take to improve their heart health.
Throughout the month of February and beyond, Parkview Heart Institute will host a series of events aimed at increasing awareness of heart disease and encouraging healthy habits. These include:
- Her Heart Challenge applications. The Parkview Heart Institute is accepting applications for the Her Heart Challenge, a program connecting women in our communities with resources to improve their health. Participants will attend weekly sessions and receive lab work, opportunities for physical activity, and access to health experts. 2026 marks the 10-year anniversary of the Her Heart Challenge. Applications can be found online at www.parkview.com/herheartchallenge.
- Feb. 1: Heart Month lighting. The Parkview Heart Institute on the Parkview Regional Medical Center campus, Parkview Regional Medical Center, and Parkview Hospital Randallia will be lit in red lights for the month of February in recognition of American Heart Month.
- Feb. 6: National Wear Red Day® Parkview co-workers will be wearing red to help raise awareness of the #1 killer of women, cardiovascular disease. To learn more about the cause, visit www.goredforwomen.org.
- Feb. 10: Heart Health on PBS Healthline. A Parkview heart health expert is scheduled to appear on the PBS Healthline call-in program, airing at 7:30 p.m. The speakerwill discuss imaging modalities.
- Feb 12: Brave Hearts. A Focus Group for Men with Heart Disease – Burning the candle at both ends. Event starts at 6 p.m. at the Parkview Heart Institute, 11108 Parkview Circle (Entrance 10, 5th floor, Conference Room 2). RSVP to [email protected].
- Feb 12:Her Heart Support Network. A support group for women who have survived a heart-related event or have heart disease will meet from 6-7:30 p.m. at Parkview Heart Institute, 11108 Parkview Plaza Drive, (Entrance 10, 5th floor, Conference Room 3). The February session, titled “Be Your Own Valentine,” will focus on self-care and self-compassion and will be led by Dr. Dave Johnson, employee assistance specialist. To RSVP, please email [email protected]. For additional information, call 260-266-2444.
- Heart health resources from Parkview. Follow the Parkview Blog (parkview.com/blog) and Parkview social media channels on Facebook and X for posts on heart-related topics throughout the month.
- Save the date: April 21 – Love Your Heart Expo. Embrace the Change, Love Your Heart! The annual Love Your Heart Expo returns to the Parkview Mirro Center this spring. Menopause, and the years leading up to it, can significantly increase a woman’s risk for heart disease as declining estrogen affects blood vessels, cholesterol, blood pressure and weight distribution, raising the risk for heart attack and stroke. Join Dr. Dalia Aziz, Parkview Physicians Group Cardiology, as she discusses practical ways to care for your heart during perimenopause and menopause. To sign up for a reminder email when registration opens, visit www.parkview.com/LYHnotifyme.
*Annual survey was conducted as part of Cleveland Clinic Heart, Vascular and Thoracic Institute’s “Love your Heart” consumer education campaign in celebration of American Heart Month. Cleveland Clinic has been nationally ranked as a top hospital in the country for cardiology and cardiac surgery for nearly three decades. For more information, go to: clevelandclinic.org/loveyourheart.
