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Mercy Medical Center Redding Lights Up Red for American Heart Month

REDDING, Calif. (February 3, 2025) – This February, Mercy Medical Center Redding will illuminate its hospital red to recognize American Heart Month and raise awareness about heart disease—the leading cause of death in the United States. With nearly 700,000 lives lost to heart disease annually, Mercy Redding hopes to inspire the North State community to take proactive steps to protect their heart health. 

Heart disease prevalence in the North State is 5.4% higher than the statewide average. However, it is often preventable through lifestyle changes and community support. “American Heart Month is a time to reflect, recommit, and take action for heart health,” said G. Todd Smith, President, Mercy Medical Center Redding. “By making small, achievable changes and leaning on community resources, we can reduce risks and improve heart health for ourselves and those around us.” 

Mercy Medical Center Redding is proud to be working with Stanford Health Care to provide North State residents access to world-class heart surgeons and advanced treatments at The Mercy Redding Heart Center. Whether focused on prevention or in need of specialized cardiac care, the hospital offers comprehensive support for every stage of the heart health journey. 

In the North State, 75% of residents carry risk factors for hypertension, and 38% are at risk for obesity. Local organizations like Healthy Shasta offer tools such as heart-smart meal ideas and access to farmer’s markets to help residents adopt healthier eating habits. According to the American Heart Association, the latest statistics show cardiovascular disease claimed 941,652 lives in 2022—a rise of over 10,000 deaths from the previous year. This equates to one death every 34 seconds in the U.S., underscoring the critical need for preventive measures. 

Tips for a Heart-Healthy Lifestyle 

  • Get Moving: Inactivity nearly doubles the risk of heart disease, but regular exercise can significantly lower it. Experts recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise weekly—just 30 minutes a day, five days a week. For busy schedules, even three 10-minute walks a day can make a difference. 
  • Eat for Your Heart: A heart-healthy diet is key to reducing heart disease risk. Incorporating fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy can lower blood pressure and cholesterol. The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) eating plan offers a proven approach. Simple changes like replacing sugary drinks with water or choosing a side salad instead of fries can make a big difference. 

About Dignity Health 

Dignity Health is a multi-state nonprofit network of 10,000 physicians, more than 60,000 employees, 39 acute care hospitals, and 400-plus care-centers, including community hospitals, urgent care, surgery and imaging centers, home health, and primary care clinics in Arizona, California, and Nevada. Dignity Health is dedicated to providing compassionate, high-quality, and affordable patient-centered care with special attention to the poor and underserved. Dignity Health is a part of CommonSpirit Health, a nonprofit health system committed to advancing health for all people and dedicated to serving the common good. For more information about Cardiovascular Care and Mercy Redding’s affiliation with Stanford Health Care, visit our website.

Mercy Medical Center Redding Lights Up Red for American Heart Month

Mercy Medical Center Redding Lights Up Red for American Heart Month

Publish date: 

Monday, February 03, 2025

Media Contact

Allison Hendrickson
Media Relations Manager

p: (417) 437-4076

[email protected]