Little Hats, Big Hearts Program Raises Awareness About Congenital Heart Defects

Posted on February 1, 2019
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI

More than 3,000 newborn babies will be able to keep their heads warm this winter thanks to the American Heart Association’s ‘Little Hats, Big Hearts’ program.

Every year, hundreds of volunteers lovingly craft tiny red hats to donate to hospitals during the month of February, which is recognized as American Heart Month.

Heart Disease remains the number one cause of death in the United States and in the State of Indiana and congenital heart defects (CHDs) are the leading birth defect in newborns.

According to information provided by the American Heart Association, approximately 1 out of every 110 babies is born with a CHD and about 25 percent of those cases require an invasive surgery within the first year.

The Little Hats, Big Hearts program is meant to raise awareness about heart problems, such as congenital heart defects, while simultaneously offering new parents information about leading a heart-healthy lifestyle.

American Heart Association Provides Handmade Red Baby Hats to Hospitals

Posted on February 6, 2017
Author Mary Perren, WKVI

More than 3,000 babies born in Indiana in February will be decked out in red hats, thanks to the American Heart Association. The “Little Hats, Big Hearts” program aims to raise awareness during American Heart Month as well as Congenital Heart Defects Week, which runs Feb. 7-14.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States and in Indiana, and congenital heart defects are the leading birth defect in newborns. The program raises awareness of both conditions.

Volunteers lovingly knitted the hats by hand. They were delivered recently to hospitals across the state.

Volunteers who would like to donate materials or knit hats for next year, or hospitals that would like to participate can call the American Heart Association 317-732-4700.

American Heart Month - Your Heart and Sodium

From Purdue Extension-Starke County:

This week for American Heart Month we're talking about sodium! Excess sodium can increase your blood pressure and your risk for heart disease and stroke. Together, heart disease and stroke kill more Americans each year than any other cause. Most of the sodium we consume is in the form of salt, and the vast majority of sodium we consume is in processed and restaurant foods. So, what are some ways to reduce your sodium intake?

You can:

■ Buy fresh, frozen (no sauce), or no-salt added canned vegetables.
■ Use fresh poultry, fish, pork, and lean meat, rather than canned or processed meats.
■ When available, buy low-sodium, lower sodium, reduced-sodium, or no-salt-added versions of products.
■ Limit sauces, mixes, and “instant” products, including flavored rice and ready-made pasta.
■ Compare Nutrition Facts labels on food packages for percent Daily Value or amount of sodium in milligrams.

For more information on sodium intake and heart health, check out http://www.cdc.gov/salt/ and http://www.cdc.gov/salt/pdfs/Sodium_Tip_Sheet.pdf. As always, please feel free to call the Extension office with any questions you may have. We're happy to help!

February is American Heart Month