National Cardiac Rehabilitation Week was initiated by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR) to focus national attention on cardiac rehabilitation’s contribution to the improvement of the health and physical performance of individuals at risk for heart disease and/or those individuals diagnosed with heart disease or dysfunction. The observance also aims to draw attention to the role of cardiac rehabilitation in reducing the potentially devastating effects of heart disease.

Atom Alliance members work to reduce cardiac risk factors. Messaging can be directed to beneficiaries, providers and partners across all care settings and encourage healthcare providers to circulate the American College of Cardiology patient video “Cardiac Rehabilitation: Your Journey Back to Heart Health.” Consider posting the video on your website and sharing on social media to spread the word about the observance and empower people through education. The video is available here: https://www.cardiosmart.org/News-and-Events/2013/01/Video-Cardiac-Rehabilitation

Or if you prefer, circulate the following Million Hearts® videos:

• High Blood Pressure Basics: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3aC9BDpdA0
• Treating High Blood Pressure: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XbLmIoyDJuE#t=77

Atom also encourages healthcare providers to send an eCards to staff members and patients to promote the importance of reducing the risks of heart disease:

• “Prevent Heart Disease” available at:
• “Know Your Blood Pressure Numbers” available at:
• “Healthy Habits” available at:
• “Conquer High Blood Pressure” available at: