Published on February 05, 2026
February is American Heart Month, and the Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment (WCDPHE) is reminding residents that prevention is the best strategy for better heart health. Simple prevention strategies — like eating well, staying active, and managing stress — can work to keep your heart healthier for many years to come.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men, women, and people of most racial and ethnic groups. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that almost 1 in every 4 deaths in the United States is caused by heart disease. In Weld County, 29% of adults have high blood pressure, the leading cause of heart disease, according to the Community Health Survey.
“Prevention helps you catch risks early, before they become a crisis,” said Health Education Manager Kelly Martinez. “Knowing your numbers and building better habits now is one of the strongest protections you can give your heart.”
WCDPHE has several programs that can help in making heart-healthy lifestyle choices. The Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) helps residents reduce their risk of type 2 diabetes, a key factor in heart disease. Healthy Plate — a complementary program to the DPP— teaches individuals and families with limited food budgets to shop for and cook healthy meals. The Well Body program is a six-week educational series designed to help participants understand the behaviors that drive their health-related decisions — both positive and negative.
For more information on these and other WCDPHE programs, visit www.weld.gov/go/healthed.