FEBRUARY SPECIAL FEATURE
February is Black History Month
February is a time to focus on both heart health and the history, resilience, and contributions of Black Americans. For us at East Central Illinois Area Agency on Aging (ECIAAA), these observances are deeply connected. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death for older adults, and it continues to affect Black communities at higher rates due to long-standing inequities in healthcare access, nutrition, transportation, and preventive care.
Supporting cardiovascular wellness isn’t just about medical advice. It’s about making sure every older adult in East Central Illinois has the resources, education, and support systems needed to live well.
Why Heart Health Matters More as We Age
As we grow older, risks for high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and stroke naturally increase. The good news is that many of these risks are preventable or manageable with early action.
Trusted national organizations offer excellent, easy-to-understand guidance:
- American Heart Association – heart-healthy tips, recipes, CPR training, and a full American Heart Month toolkit: https://www.heart.org/en/american-heart-month
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – practical information on blood pressure, cholesterol, and prevention steps: https://www.cdc.gov/heart-disease
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute – science-based guides and healthy lifestyle plans for families and caregivers: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/heart-healthy-living
Even small changes — walking daily, lowering sodium, managing medications, or scheduling a screening — can significantly reduce risk.
Honoring Black History Month Through Health Equity
Black History Month invites us to celebrate achievements while also acknowledging disparities that still exist. Cardiovascular disease disproportionately impacts Black adults, often because of systemic barriers such as limited access to care, higher stress loads, and fewer preventive resources. Addressing these gaps is one way we honor community strength and legacy.
Organizations like the Association of Black Cardiologists work specifically to improve heart health outcomes in Black communities through education, outreach, and advocacy: https://abcardio.org
By centering equity in our outreach — bringing screenings to neighborhoods, partnering with trusted community spaces, and offering culturally responsive programming — we make heart health more accessible for everyone.
How ECIAAA Supports Heart-Healthy Aging Locally
At ECIAAA, heart health is woven into many of the everyday services we provide:
- Nutrition programs that deliver balanced, heart-healthy meals
- Caregiver support and respite services to reduce stress and burnout
- Transportation assistance for doctor visits and screenings
- Wellness education workshops on chronic disease prevention
- Benefits counseling and care coordination to connect older adults with medical and community resources
If you’re unsure where to start, our team can guide you through options that fit your needs. You can reach us here: https://www.eciaaa.org
Additional support is also available through:
- Illinois Department on Aging Senior HelpLine – connects older adults to services statewide: https://ilaging.illinois.gov/resources/helpline-main.html
- Eldercare Locator – a national tool to find local aging resources: https://eldercare.acl.gov
Simple Steps to Take This Month
In honor of both observances, consider:
- Checking your blood pressure or cholesterol
- Taking a 15–30 minute daily walk
- Cooking one heart-healthy meal each week
- Talking with family about heart disease history
- Connecting with ECIAAA or another resource if you need help accessing care
Every Heart Counts
American Heart Month reminds us to protect our physical health. Black History Month reminds us to do so with intention, equity, and respect for every community we serve. When we combine awareness with action and trusted partnerships, we strengthen not only individual hearts — but the heart of East Central Illinois as a whole. If you or someone you love needs support, ECIAAA is here to help you take the next step toward healthier aging.