It is probably a guarentee that we all us has lost a relative or loved one to heart disease. Heart Disease is the leading cause of death in America. Much of heart disease, however, is preventable through regular exercise and a sensible diet. The USPS has recently published a new heart health stamp to raise public awareness of these facts.
The following is the press release taken from the USPS.gov site — copies of this stamp can be purchased from the site.
With the Heart Health (Forever®) stamp, the U.S. Postal Service hopes to raise public awareness about the importance of maintaining a healthy heart. The design shows a bright yellow sun disc, a leafy green tree icon, and a blue swirl of a sky. The striding figure at the center of the stamp has a full red heart. At the figure’s feet, a large red apple represents a well-balanced diet, another essential factor in maintaining a healthy heart.
Although CHD is the leading cause of death among women and men in the U.S., it doesn’t have to be. Many cases of heart disease can be prevented. Most people can lower their risk of developing CHD — and protect their hearts for a lifetime — by making just a few lifestyle changes. Exercising and eating a heart-healthy diet are critical factors. Quitting smoking, managing stress, and getting enough sleep are equally important.
Because heart disease can develop over decades without symptoms, many people do not know they have it. Some risk factors, like age and a family history of CHD, can’t be avoided, but regular medical checkups make early detection and treatment possible.
The U.S. Postal Service has a long tradition of issuing special stamps to help raise public awareness about health and social issues. For this beautiful and upbeat stamp, art director Derry Noyes teamed up with award-winning illustrator Nicholas Wilton.
The Heart Health stamp is being issued as a Forever stamp in self-adhesive sheets of 20. Forever stamps are always equal in value to the current First-Class Mail one-ounce rate.
Made in the USA.
Issue Date: February 9, 2012
Issue City: Washington, DC 20066