Military spouse unemployment remains high because of frequent relocation. This places undue financial hardship on military families who rely on dual incomes. Thankfully, the issue has been steadily getting better, in no small part, because of the Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP) program.

An introduction to the MSEP

The MSEP was founded in 2011 and has helped over 250,000 military spouses find employment in a wide range of industries. From October 2021 to October 2022, MSEP partners added an additional 40,000 spouses to that list, which is a record number for the program.

In late 2022, the Defense Department expanded its MSEP program to include an additional 70 government organizations, private sector companies and nonprofits. With the new additions, the total number of organizations participating in ensuring military spouse employment has reached over 600.

MSEP Engage 2022

Virginia hosted the three-day MSEP Engage 2022 event in late October 2022. Gilbert R. Cisneros Jr., the undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness, inducted the 70 new government organizations at the ceremony. He also spoke of the advances of the MSEP program. The third day of the event was notable for being the first time MSEP partners directly met with military spouses who were seeking employment.

Why military spouse employment is vital

Like many civilian families, military families often require incomes from both spouses to make ends meet. Unemployment in the general population has been getting far better in the past few years, with the current rate from April to July 2022 at 3.4%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

However, the rate of unemployment for military spouses is sitting at roughly 21%, making it a worse problem for military families. This is partially because military families tend to move often, which hinders their ability to keep a job for long periods. Military spouses are often educated, career-oriented individuals. Constant relocation brings with it a host of problems, not just in their financial lives, but also in their careers.

Military spouse unemployment is a known issue among many families in the armed forces, and it’s hurting the number of new enrollments in the military. Because of this and the associated financial burdens, these families have become less likely to recommend military service to their children, according to Mike Haynie, the executive director of the Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University.

Hope for military spouse employment

Military spouse unemployment remains a serious issue for both the families themselves and the health of the armed forces as a whole. Satisfaction with the military is vital if service members are to stay on and encourage others, including their children, to join.

A sign of hope for this ongoing issue is in historical statistics: military spouse unemployment was at 30% in 1985 and has dropped considerably with the introduction of new programs and partnerships among the armed forces and private companies. The trend is slowly but surely moving toward more steady employment opportunities for military spouses.

Military spouses should know that they can be as eligible for unemployment benefits as anyone else. While not a complete or permanent solution, this can be a viable option to lessen any financial hardship a military family may be experiencing.

Unemployment is dropping among military spouses due to the MSEP program

New focus on the MSEP and other programs designed to encourage military spouse employment should offer new opportunities for military families so they can feel satisfied with steady employment and the easing of financial hardship.

 

Tales of great soldiers, secret intelligence groups and the dramatic beginnings of the Cold War can inspire, rivet and thrill almost anyone. A litany of exciting war-themed books have been recently released, and if you have the chance, these are sure to make a wonderful read.

The York Patrol

This historical account by James Carl Nelson focuses on the exceptional military accomplishments of Alvin Cullum York, who fought in World War I with the American Expeditionary Force. York was one of 13 soldiers in the force who each won a Medal of Honor after the events in the Argonne Forest in northeastern France. The day this transpired would be known throughout history as the Day of Valor.

York came from humble beginnings as an impoverished farmer in Tennessee but would later become one of the most celebrated fighters in the war, with several books retelling his deeds. He was even portrayed in a film, Sergeant York, as played by Gary Cooper.

Nelson gives special attention to the sixteen others who fought with York. These soldiers came from a range of backgrounds: Some were from big cities, others from small towns and some from foreign countries. Of particular note were a runaway who joined using a false name; a farmer like York who had a lineage tracing as far back as the American Revolution; and a Polish immigrant who enlisted to become an American citizen. These individuals would all become heroes on the Day of Valor, whose names would be written in history books to inspire others with their extraordinary valor and bravery.

Bletchley Park and D-Day

David Kenyon tells of the secret of Bletchley Park, the hub for Allied codebreakers during World War II. It was at this English mansion where the Government Code and Cypher School (GC&CS), consisting of thousands of intelligence workers, would intercept and crack the covert communications between the Axis Powers. The activities at Bletchley Park would be concealed until decades later in the 1970s.

The GC&CS was paramount to the success of the D-Day invasion in Normandy. Kenyon uses the once-classified documents and collected enemy information to tell the story of how Bletchley Park made this battle’s victory possible — and, ultimately, the Allied triumph in the war.

Checkmate in Berlin

Giles Milton wrote this tale of the beginning of the Cold War, taking place almost immediately after the end of World War II. Describing the intense mistrust among the Allied powers that took over Berlin after the Yalta Conference in 1945, this thrilling tale of rampant suspicion among these flawed leaders vying for power speaks of the breakdown between the Western powers and the Soviet Union.

The book features an account of historical figure Frank “Howlin’ Mad” Howley, who was appointed commandant of Berlin’s American sector. Deeply distrustful of the Russians, Howley considered General Alexander Kotikov, the commandant of the Soviet sector, to be an object of intense suspicion. Howley correctly believed the Soviet leader was an agent of Stalin whose mission was to rid Berlin (and ultimately, Germany) of the Western allies.

Milton covers the bases of all the major players to form a breathtaking human drama — one that would help shape the world we know today.

Choose one or all of these acclaimed books for your next reading binge
Whether you fancy an account of exceptional men, a secret intelligence agency or a story detailing the beginnings of the Cold War, you’ll undoubtedly find something in one or all of these new offerings. The many tales of military history and the range of individuals who populate these stories are sure to keep you turning the page well into the evening hours.

 

Dogs may be amazing creatures, but K9s are capable of truly impressive feats. Commonly employed across the U.S. to serve distinct functions like finding survivors under rubble or detecting distant threats such as snipers, these service dogs are invaluable to the day-to-day operations of the armed forces, law enforcement and first responder teams.

Every year on March 13th is K9 Veterans Day. This is a time to honor and appreciate K9 veterans. Here, we’ll briefly talk about the history of K9 Veterans Day, explain what K9s are capable of doing, and offer ways to participate in this national holiday.

The history of K9 Veterans Day

K9 dogs have been used throughout much of military history across the world, from the Greeks and Romans breeding Cane Corsos as guard dogs to the Persians, who used the Saluki for hunting game. In the U.S., the use of dogs in the military goes back to 1942 with the Dogs for Defense organization and its War Dog Program, also called the K9 Corps. These dogs were trained to be sentries to guard supply depots. Training began on March 13th of that year, which is where the special date originated.

Joe White, a Vietnam War veteran and dog handler from Jacksonville, Florida, first petitioned the idea of a national holiday for K9 veterans in 2009. White was especially close to K9 dogs during the war. The day became an official holiday in 2013. The concept behind the day was to bring awareness to K9s and offer them a special day of honor.

What do K9s do?

Dogs can be trained to do pretty much anything, to begin with, but K9s are special. Some of the tasks a K9 might learn to do are:

• Patrolling and scouting. These dogs are capable of alerting their owners to the presence of enemies. Often sent away from their handlers to detect threats, this type of K9 will be especially quiet and provide subtle signals if they detect something — for example, they may stiffen their stance or twitch their ears.
• Explosive device detection. Commonly stationed at traffic stops and checkpoints, these dogs can sniff out the ingredients of explosive devices.
• Special Forces work. These multi-purpose dogs serve with units such as the Navy SEALs and Army Rangers. They are extremely capable K9s with a variety of skills, from jumping out of aircraft to assisting with amphibious operations.
• Sentry duty. This type of military dog can detect threats. Often stationed at supply posts, airports and important storage facilities, they are highly useful when visibility is limited, such as during nighttime.
• Locate the injured. Search and rescue dogs, also known as casualty dogs, can locate survivors in places they may be hidden, such as under rubble after a natural disaster.

 How can you honor K9 veterans

There are many ways you can show your support for K9 veterans, such as:

• Make donations to K9 organizations.
• Host or join events honoring K9 veterans.
• Bring awareness to the day on social media.

Also, if you have any personal stories you’d like to share, tell them! Virtually everyone loves to hear tales of exceptional dogs, especially heroic K9 veterans.

K9s enhance the capabilities of the U.S. armed forces and other teams

Whatever you do to celebrate this K9 Veterans Day, try to bring attention to the practically limitless capabilities of these canines. Dogs have consistently had a place alongside people doing incredible things, and it’s worth taking the time to appreciate the jobs K9s can do across the world.

 

Women are the fastest-growing group in the veteran population, according to a report by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. In 2000, the share of veterans who were women was 4%. By 2040, it’s projected to be 18%.

There are several factors contributing to the rise in women veterans, notably a shift in attitude toward women in the military. But women have found ways to serve even when they’re told they can’t. Here, we’ll talk about the developing trend of women joining the armed forces and touch on their accomplished history.

Increasing opportunities for women in the military

One of the biggest drivers of this increase is a more welcoming environment for women in the military. This was touched on in a previous blog post about Women’s History Month and Lieutenant Colonel Kathy La Sauce, who was one of the first women to serve in the Air Force in an active role. Before then, women had few opportunities in the armed forces, particularly in positions of power.

Times have changed, however. Today, women can serve in any position, including in leadership and combat roles.

That’s not to say women don’t have a long history of serving in some form or fashion. While it’s only been in recent decades that women have begun enlisting in larger numbers and reaching new heights, the origins of women assisting the U.S. armed forces go as far back as the Revolutionary War.

Women have served in the military since the Revolutionary War

For some exceptional people, feelings of patriotism overwhelm them so much they’re willing to overcome any obstacle — including being barred from officially serving in the armed forces. Such was the case with women who contributed during the Revolutionary War.

When colonial militias fought for Washington in the Continental Army, women — mothers, wives and daughters alike — insisted on coming to do their part. They did everything they could to help, including foraging for food, performing first aid and keeping the cannons functional.

Margaret Corbin was especially notable for the lengths she was willing to go. In addition to performing the aforementioned duties, Corbin disguised herself as a man so she could fight in a combat role alongside her husband, John. During the Battle of Fort Washington, she assisted John in loading the cannon. When he was killed by enemy fire, Margaret held her ground and continued to load and fire the cannon. When she was severely wounded by the British and permanently lost the use of her left arm, Washington’s forces granted her a military pension. She was the first woman to receive one.

The women serving today

The women who serve today are different from before. Many women veterans are part of an ethnic minority and/or unmarried, and they’re far more likely to serve as officers, according to Pew Research. They also serve in all branches of the military, though the Army is the most popular, followed by the Air Force.

As more women join the military, there will be a larger share of female veterans

Even though the armed forces are predominantly men, the percentage of women in the armed forces is increasing — and this trend is projected to continue. Since the inception of the U.S. military, women have been demonstrating that they’re just as capable as their male counterparts. The effect is that more women are inspired to serve. If history is any indication — and if patriotic women like Margaret Corbin have anything to say about it — they will continue to excel and embolden others to do the same.

 

The accomplishments of veterans deserve recognition and appreciation year-round. Some national holidays, such as Veterans Day, are well-known times to demonstrate such feelings. But there are many other holidays that serve special purposes.

For example, National Invest in Veterans Week takes place every year in the first week of March. This period is a time to bring interest to businesses owned by veterans and the contributions they make to their communities.

The history of National Invest in Veterans Week

Drayton Florence, a former National Football League cornerback and veteran, and Jeff Shuford, an Iraq war veteran, founded National Invest in Veterans Week in 2019. The week was meant to bring special attention to veteran-owned businesses by buying from them, calling them out on social media, nurturing startups and supporting them in a range of other ways.

There are 2.4 million firms owned by veterans in America, and these businesses employ 5.8 million individuals, according to the official website for National Invest in Veterans Week. Military experience is strongly correlated with entrepreneurship, likely because the armed forces teach values such as responsibility and self-discipline.

The importance of small businesses in America

Small businesses are broadly defined by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) as being independently owned and with 500 or fewer employees. Because they make up a large portion of new jobs, provide opportunities for success and spark innovation, this type of business is vital to the overall health of the American economy.

There are 61.7 million employees working for small businesses, making up 46.4% of the workforce, according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Many small businesses are locally owned, so they’re often highly beneficial for smaller communities. They’re also frequently involved in improving their communities as part of their business model, helping local causes.

How entrepreneurship helps veterans transition to civilian life

Veterans often struggle to find employment after leaving the armed forces. However, these individuals make excellent entrepreneurs, and entrepreneurship can be perfect for some veterans as they transition back into civilian life.

Consider the skills learned in the military — problem-solving, leadership and teamwork come to mind. These are the key qualities of any successful entrepreneur. When you’re running a business, you need to be able to adapt to constantly-shifting market conditions and quickly think of answers to problems. This makes problem-solving skills vital. A healthy company environment is just as important, with employees feeling they can trust and rely on you to have their best interests in mind. A business leader already experienced in leading and effectively managing a team for a common goal is almost invariably going to be more successful than one without these aptitudes.

Any veteran-owned company is going to be highly respected by its community. This means the entrepreneur may find fulfilling involvement when giving back to the locals. The locals, in response, then help out the business. It’s a perfect recipe for a successful return back to civilian life.

Celebrate National Invest in Veterans Week by showing your support for veteran-owned businesses

Small businesses are crucial in the U.S. economy, and small businesses owned by veterans are even more important because they offer veterans a way to make a living and become deeply involved in their communities.

National Invest in Veterans Week is a perfect time to demonstrate your appreciation for your local veteran-owned businesses. The easiest way to show your support is to buy from them, but that’s not all you can do. They’ll appreciate any help you can offer, even if it’s just to advertise by word of mouth. Simply ask how you can volunteer to help out, and they’ll likely be happy to have you.

 

Throughout the history of civilization, there have been countless women who have helped shift the world. Women’s History Month is to be celebrated once again this March, and this year we focus on this accomplished woman who changed the U.S. Air Force forever.

The History of Women’s History Month

Women’s History Month has taken place each March since 1987. Originally conceived as National Women’s History Week, it was celebrated on the week of March 8, 1980, and recognized by President Jimmy Carter. The following year, it became a national occasion; six years later, the National Women’s History Project successfully petitioned Congress to expand it to the entire month of March.

International Women’s Day preceded Women’s History Month, which began as an international celebration on March 8, 1911. The United Nations started sponsoring it in 1975 and continues to this day.

Educational initiatives, demonstrations and presenting gifts and flowers to women are common occurrences during these times.

Kathy La Sauce, U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel

Among many other accomplished women, Kathy La Sauce stands out for her groundbreaking military service.

“Don’t ever accept a barrier…talent can be both male and female.” This quote from La Sauce, the first woman to become an aircraft commander at Norton Air Force Base and pilot a C-141 Starlifter, encompasses the dedication many extraordinary women have shown in overcoming exceptional hurdles.

When La Sauce first joined the military in 1972 during the Vietnam War, she joined out of unreserved patriotism. Women weren’t allowed to fly then, and La Sauce knew this but wanted to do her part. She began in maintenance, as she was skilled in mechanical work. When the academies opened up to women in 1976, La Sauce was one of the first to enroll.

La Sauce graduated from Williams Air Force Base with one of the first classes of women graduates for the academy on Sept. 2, 1977. She was assigned to the 14th Military Airlift Squadron at Norton when she piloted the C-141 Starlifter, a massive cargo jet. She would end up logging over 3,000 hours in the plane.

She would later become the first woman to fly presidential support missions for the 89th Airlift Wing while piloting the VC-135 aircraft. She escorted the late first lady Barbara Bush off the flight line and met Russian President Mikhail Gorbachev. She also has the distinction of escorting British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.

La Sauce held the position of commander of the current-day 89th Aerial Port Squadron from 1988 to 1992. In total, she served 20 years in the Air Force before retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel.

Her class, designated 77-08, was noteworthy in itself for producing many women who would later earn notable military accomplishments alongside La Sauce. Some of them would go on to be inducted into the Women in Aviation, International Pioneer Hall of Fame in 2016.

You can find Lt. Col. La Sauce’s flight suit proudly exhibited at Norton Air Force Base Museum.

La Sauce was part of a greater movement to introduce women into the military, which had been a long time coming. The Women in the Air Force program began back in 1948, and after La Sauce retired, women started being seen as equals in the field.

Celebrate the accomplishments of women, both in and outside the military

Kathy La Sauce is just one of many women who helped shape the world as it is today. There are still many barriers to break through, but women have shown they will always step up to the challenge and fight to be second to none.

 

Educators, police officers and first responders all do invaluable work in protecting and enriching our communities. Many of us offer them our gratitude and respect for their selflessness, and we celebrate their contributions often as a way of saying thanks.

Unfortunately, while these individuals may be highly respected, many of them face challenges when trying to purchase homes of their own.

There may be hope on the horizon, however. Many in Congress are looking to the federal HELPER Act of 2021, as it shows promise as a way to assist these groups.

What is it?

The “Homes for Every Local Protector, Educator, and Responder Act of 2021” — or the HELPER Act of 2021 — aims to assist firefighters, law enforcement officers, elementary and secondary school teachers and other first responders by making housing more affordable for these groups.

The program, administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, would allow for an affordable one-time mortgage offer for people in these occupations. The mortgage would include no down payment and no monthly mortgage insurance premium.

There are criteria in the bill to determine eligibility, including:

• An adequate credit score.
• At least four years of continuous employment.
• Requires a 3.6% Mortgage Insurance Payment (MIP), which will vary depending on the size of the loan.

In addition, there is a five-year reauthorization plan, meaning the government has the power to revoke the Act after that period.

What does it mean for first responders?

If passed, the HELPER Act would help affected people purchase homes, though especially first-time homeowners.

First responders and other included populations often face hurdles when trying to buy a home, especially for the first time. This leaves people in these occupations unnecessarily stressed out.

The unique challenges these individuals face when buying a home come in two particular varieties:

Challenges affording the down payment on a home.

Typically, this is 10-20% of the home’s value. But because these groups all too often face their own challenges when buying a home, they can’t make the down payment in addition to mortgage payments and other necessities. The HELPER Act removes this requirement, which would surely take down one of the major barriers first responders and educators have to purchase homes.

Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) requirements.

Usually, if you’re unable to deposit more than 20% of the home’s value upfront, you’re required to have PMI. The HELPER Act removes this requirement, which could potentially save people in these occupations several thousand dollars.

Will it pass?

Suppose the HELPER Act does pass, which looks promising, considering its near-universal support by both major political parties. Heroes such as first responders, educators and police officers will have a better chance of purchasing and owning their own homes without needing to worry about as many financial barriers. This could be game-changing for these occupations and could be a new way for Congress to show its appreciation for all the work they do, making our heroes feel more appreciated and secure by giving them a right to housing.

 

Every military family deserves superior health care tailored to their specific needs. There is a wealth of support programs for service members to seek out for their families. The Exceptional Family Members Program, designed for military families, includes support for dependents with special educational and medical needs.

What is the EFMP?

The EFMP is a resource offered to active duty service members who have spouses, children or adult dependents with special needs at home. The Department of Defense (DoD) provides this service.

There are three core components to EFMP:

• Enrolling a family member with special needs.
• Educating the military family on which projected duty station offers services for your family needs.
• Assisting the military family in accessing those programs and services.

But what is a special need?

What are some examples of a special need?

Special needs include, but are not limited to:

• Multiple sclerosis.
• Asthma.
• Diabetes.
• Attention deficit disorder.

Chronic conditions — including behavioral health conditions — that are treated by a medical specialist generally constitute a special need.

Why should you use the EFMP?

Active Duty Service members with special needs dependents face unique challenges in caring for their loved ones. Those challenges can become compounded when relocating. With the EFMP, the armed forces hope to ease our service member’s burden by offering support to their families so they can receive the care they deserve.

Are EFMP services available everywhere?

EFMP resources vary by location and may not be available in overseas or remote stations. This is why it’s vital to contact the nearest EFMP support office first to make sure you know what services are offered.

All military families can take advantage of Family Member Travel Screening (FMTS). Wherever you’re deployed, your family will have the resources they require, with careful consideration as to what your dependents’ needs are and what would be available to them.

The EFMP is not limited by which branch of the military you’re serving in; all branches offer the program.

How do you enroll in the EFMP?

Enrollment in the EFMP is mandatory for all active duty service members, and there are different ways to enroll if you’re not on active duty. Methods of enrolling and their applications are available in this quick guide.

The FMTS process includes a medical and educational screening for you and your family. This helps the support office identify what specific needs your family has. If those needs include anything that could apply to the EFMP, you should enroll in the program.

If you’re in the National Guard or Reserves, you might also be eligible for the EFMP, though you’ll need to contact your particular branch for instructions regarding enrollment in each.

What does “family support” include in the EFMP?

Family support includes, though is not limited to:

• Non-clinical case management, which includes Individualized service plans.
• Information on local schools and early intervention.
• Outreach and education.
• Support for transferring EVMP benefits from one location to another.

There’s no reason not to use the EFMP if you qualify

If you’re a military family that includes someone with special medical or educational needs, there’s no reason not to take advantage of the EFMP. The program gives service members peace of mind when deployed for active duty and their families the resources they can use to help meet those special needs.

You can access the EFMP family support by calling your local Military and Family Support Center or Military OneSource at 800-342-9647. Ask them for a referral to a special needs consultant.

 

The history of African Americans and other Black ethnicities is rich with fascinating stories. For example, there was the Stono rebellion in 1739 when enslaved people made a historic uprising against their owners, to Black surgeon Daniel Hale Williams performing the first successful heart transplant in 1893 at the Provident Hospital in Chicago. With tales like these, you can easily find encouragement and inspiration that would serve you well in your own life.

The roots of Black History Month

Black History Month was first recognized by President Gerald Ford in 1976, though its origins go much farther back. In 1915, nearly half a century after the Thirteenth Amendment ended slavery in the U.S., the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH) organization was founded to study and bring awareness to Black American achievements. 1926 marked the first Negro History Week during which lectures, performances, history clubs and local events were held across the country. Black History Month began to take form in the 1960s around college campuses, and soon afterward became an officially-recognized celebration.

Celebrating Major Richard Robert Wright and National Freedom Day

To commemorate this year’s Black History Month, we’ll spotlight a crucial figure: Major Richard Robert Wright, who was an American military officer, educator, college president, politician, banking entrepreneur and civil rights advocate.

Wright was born into slavery near Dalton, GA, on May 16, 1855. After emancipation, he served as the first Black Army paymaster and was a major in the Spanish-American War. He had been appointed by President William McKinley himself and acted as the highest-ranked Black officer in the armed forces.

Wright was especially dedicated to intellectual pursuits, and his son, Richard Robert Wright Jr., earned a Ph.D. at Penn in sociology. He was one of the first African American to earn a Ph.D. at the university. Wright Jr.’s daughter, Ruth Wright Hayre, earned her own doctorate and found success as an educator.

Wright founded National Freedom Day, which was first commemorated on February 1st, 1942 in Philadelphia, PA, a year after his death. It wasn’t until 1948 that President Harry Truman proclaimed February 1st to be National Freedom Day. This time is specifically dedicated to recognizing the value and privilege of freedom that all Americans now share and commemorates the signing of the Thirteenth Amendment by Abraham Lincoln in 1865 following the American Civil War. Because it’s celebrated on the first day of February, it also serves as the first day of Black History Month.

This year’s theme: health and wellness

Every Black History Month has a flavor and theme of its own, and this year, it’s Black health and wellness, according to the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) in Washington, D.C.

“This year’s theme explores the nuances of health and wellness in the Black community … [It presents] a new chance for everyone to gain wisdom and understanding on topics that don’t normally get discussed related to the Black community,” said Black Student Alliance Council (BSAC) president, Matthew Francis, at Texas A & M University.

Find inspiration in Black History Month and Major Richard Robert Wright

Many other nations across the globe recognize Black history in their own way, such as the United Kingdom, Canada and Ireland. Wherever you may reside, you too can participate in the exceptional celebration of monumental achievements made by Black individuals since the beginning of civilization. Black History Month is about recognizing the extraordinary accomplishments of Black and African American individuals so we can find encouragement in their uncommon endeavors.

There are many inspirational stories of those who went above and beyond their calling to achieve great things, and many of those successes serve to help us in our everyday lives. Whether it’s stories of heroism, scientific breakthroughs, exceptional civil rights advances or something else entirely, take the time to learn a thing or two about the people who made this country — and the world — a better place for all.

 

According to National Today, the number one killer of women is cardiovascular disease, which causes one in three deaths every year. It’s also one of the most preventable: It’s estimated that 87% of these deaths can be avoided, making awareness of this illness and how to reduce risk extremely significant for those affected.

Heart Health Month is held in February of every year. The first Friday in February is Women’s Heart Day (often called National Wear Red Day). This year, it falls on the 3rd of February.

The history of National Heart Health Month and Women’s Heart Day

President Lyndon B. Johnson declared National Heart Health Month to be February in 1964, nine years after he personally suffered a heart attack. The tradition of wearing red as a symbol of recognition started in 2002, and donning a red dress or other types of clothing ingrained itself until the first Friday in February became its own day of awareness.

How to prevent cardiovascular disease

You can prevent cardiovascular disease with good habits, including eating well and exercising regularly. You likely already know these are essential qualities of living well, but did you know that exercise alone can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by 49-57%, according to a study by PLOS Medicine?

Further, 33% of women don’t engage in sports or physical activity. Because these statistics go both ways, that means not exercising regularly drastically increases your risk of heart disease.

The other part of staying fit is healthy eating habits; this means having a diet rich in whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats, vegetables and fruits. Specifically, you should aim for:

• 4.5 cups a day of fruits and vegetables.
• Four servings of unsalted nuts, legumes and seeds.
• Two 3.5-ounce servings of fish — especially those rich in oil — each week.
• Three 1-ounce servings of fibrous whole grains every day.
• Less than 1,500 mg of sodium per day.
• Two servings or less of processed meat per week.
• Limit sugary drinks to no more than 450 calories per week.
• Reduce consumption of saturated fats to less than 7% of all calories.

It might sound like a chore to keep track of all of this, but as long as you get the general idea such as more fruits and veggies and less salt and sugar, they’ll quickly become second nature. You certainly don’t have to be 100% precise with your habits, either — just understand the concepts behind them and adjust your diet accordingly.

There’s always room for improvement in your habits

Few people have perfect habits. Even if you think you’re completely healthy, it’s best to reassess your routine every once in a while to ensure you’re still up-to-date on the science involved in heart health and how to best prevent it. You could always do more.

Heart Health Month and Women’s Heart Day are meant to help you understand cardiovascular disease, whom it affects the most, and how you can prevent it. By practicing good habits, you won’t just be helping to prevent heart conditions, you’ll also feel your best.