 Hi, I'm Ed McDowell, Columbia City Councilman for District 2. Each year during the month of February, the City of Columbia highlights heart disease to raise awareness of the number one health risk and encourage citizens in our community to take control of their heart health. Heart disease and stroke are the number one killer for all Americans, as disheartening as that statistic is. The risk of getting those diseases are even higher for African Americans. We as African Americans can improve our odds of preventing and beating these diseases by understanding the risks and taking steps to address them. So we encourage you to know your numbers, like blood pressure and blood sugar. Be healthy, stay active and visit a health care professional for more information and resources on heart health.