National Hispanic Heritage Month Sept. 15-Oct. 15

Stroke survivor and family

Hispanic communities empowered:
Understanding R.Á.P.I.D.O. acronym saves lives
World Stroke Day is Oct. 29th

The American Stroke Association promotes R.Á.P.I.D.O., a newly developed, culturally relevant Spanish acronym, to raise awareness of common stroke symptoms


News Release in English|News Release in Spanish

Photo:Noelia Gutierrez, stroke survivor and AHA volunteer, surrounded by her husband and one of her daughters looking through a family photo album while recording a video for the R.Á.P.I.D.O. PSA in Miami, FL. copyright American Heart Association 2023

R.Á.P.I.D.O.

The easy-to-remember acronym stands for:

R - Rostrocaído(Face drooping)

Á - Alteracióndelequilibrio(Loss of Balance, or Lack of Coordination)

P - Pérdidade fuerzaen el brazo(Arm weakness)

I - Impedimentovisual repentino(Sudden vision difficulty)

D - Dificultadpara hablar(Slurred or Strange Speech)

O - Obténayuda, llama al 911(Get help, call 911)

Video:American Stroke Association volunteer expert,Hugo J. Aparicio, M.D., M.P.H., assistant professor of Neurology, Boston University, Boston, Mass.Transcript(doc) |Video in Englishcopyright American Heart Association 2023



Organs in the body - transparent illustration

Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month | World Restart a Heart Day

People often use these terms interchangeably, but they're not the same. A heart attack is when blood flow to the heart is blocked. Sudden cardiac arrest is when the heart malfunctions and suddenly stops beating. A heart attack is a “circulation” problem and sudden cardiac arrest is an “electrical” problem.

brain illustration

Mental Illness Awareness Week Oct. 1-7 | National Depression Screening Day is October 5th |
World Mental Health Day is October 10th

Blood test

International Infection Prevention Week Oct. 15-21st | Flu Season Preparedness




AHA Life's Essential 8™ Circle graphic

October is Health Literacy Month andNational Health Education Week is the 16-20th

American Heart Association’s checklist to measure cardiovascular health, called Life’s Essential 8™, adds healthy sleep as essential for optimal cardiovascular health along with other health and lifestyle factors like nicotine exposure, physical activity, diet, weight, blood glucose, cholesterol and blood pressure.


snacking on fruits and veggies

Help your children develop healthy eating habits early in life that will bring lifelong benefits.

Healthy eating tips for the whole family

Kids on bikes

Be a role model for an active lifestyle. Start moving more yourself and find ways to be active together as a family.

Physical activity tips for the whole family


Berries in a bowl
National Baking Week Oct 14-20 - Raspberry Streusel Muffins

World Food Day Oct. 16- Tips forEating Smart!

Latest news:

Research, advocacy, education urged to address chronic disease through Food Is Medicine programs-American Heart Association Presidential Advisory calls for building on existing research and implementing cross-sector approaches to Food Is Medicine (Sept. 28, 2023)

Prescription for fruits, vegetables linked to better heart health, food security- Prescriptions for free produce were associated with reduced blood pressure, blood sugar and body mass index, finds new study in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes journal (Aug 29, 2023)


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Weather Preparedness
The American Heart Association has important tips to prepare for hurricanes and other natural disasters that can negatively impact physical and mental health

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Freelance Science Writers’ Travel Stipend Opportunity-U.S. freelance writers who qualify for embargoed access to news materials of the American Heart Association (the Association) may apply for a limited number of travel stipends to attend one of five (5) select Association scientific conferences.

SS 2023 logo

Scientific Sessions 2023- November 11–13 | Pennsylvania Convention Center | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Pre-Sessions Symposia & Early Career Day: November 10

Resuscitation Science Symposium 2023- November 11–12, 2023| Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Media Registration is NOW OPEN


More October Calendar Highlights

Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Fire Prevention/Fire Safety Month, National Disability Employment Awareness Month, National Physical Therapy Month

October 29 is World Stroke Day

October 1-7 – National Primary Care Week | Mental Illness Awareness Week

October 5 - National Depression Screening Day

October 6 – National Diversity Day

October 9 - Columbus Day

我10月10日—世界ntal Health Day

October 11 – National Coming Out Day

October 14-20 – National Baking Week

October 15 – National Latino Aids Awareness Day | Global Handwashing Day

Oct. 15-21 - International Infection Prevention Week

October 16 –World Restart a Heart Day| Bosses’ Day | World Food Day

October 16-20 – National Health Education Week

October 21 – National Check Your Meds Day

October 22-28 - Respiratory Care Week

October 29 –World Stroke Day

October 31 – Halloween