Message from Kyle Hanson, CEO

Heart disease affects almost everyone in the United States today.   Nearly one in every four deaths in this country last year were caused by heart disease.   It is the leading cause of death for both men and women.  Slightly more women than men will die from heart disease this year.  Every day more than 1,000 people die of heart attacks.  Every year about 785,000 Americans have a first heart attack. Another 470,000 who have already had one or more heart attacks have another attack.

Heart disease is, in many cases, preventable.  The American Heart Association has been at the forefront of education concerning heart disease prevention.  We know that even small changes can make big differences in heart health:  quit smoking, get more exercise, limit the amount of high-fat foods in our diets and get proper sleep.

For the month of February , we join hands and hearts with the American Heart Association to help them get the word out about heart disease and prevention.  You’ll be offered the opportunity to sell $1 and $5 hearts with all money raised going to the American Heart Association (plus money that the Company will contribute on top of what you and our customers contribute).  Cleveland-area DM Joe Weir will be sending out weekly reports on the progress of the campaign and incentives for  those stores that are the most successful fundraisers.  The American Heart Association is an organization important to Joe who has been personally impacted by heart disease and stroke.  In addition to Joe’s updates, he’ll be sharing both information about heart disease and prevention and some stories to demonstrate how important the work of the American Heart Association is.   

Show the American Heart Association just how much heart we have and Go Red for Heart in February!

Good luck to everyone,

Kyle Hanson