(WHITE TOWNSHIP, NJ - February 14, 2024) - On a day devoted to hearts, the Warren County Board of County Commissioners proclaimed February as American Heart Month. “It is fitting that on Valentine’s Day we are honoring the heart in another way,” Commissioners Director James R. Kern III said as he and his fellow commissioners called upon citizens to support and encourage prevention of heart disease.

Heart disease can be referred to as the “Silent Killer” because there are often no warning signs or symptoms, according to the Commissioners’ proclamation, which was accepted by Tracy Mazzucco, Health Educator / Risk Communicator with the Warren County Health Department.

Recent statistics show that the age-adjusted death rate for heart disease in Warren County was 180 per 100,000 people, higher than the overall rate in New Jersey of 166.1 per 100,000 people.

“The statistics for Warren County are alarming,” Commissioner Jason J. Sarnoski said. Both he and Commissioner Lori Ciesla noted they have lost family members to heart disease, and urged residents to see their health care professionals and learn the signs of heart disease.

“Know your numbers – your cholesterol, your blood pressure,” Mazzucco said, adding that people need to talk to their health care providers and “be very active in your own health care.”

Tracy Mazzucco, Warren County Health Department's Health Educator / Risk Communicator (second from left), accepts the proclamation for American Heart Month from County Commissioners Jason J. Sarnoski, Director James R. Kern III, and Lori Ciesla.