Protecting the Heart & the Circle

❤️ Protecting the Heart & the Circle

Our hearts are more than organs—they are drums that connect us to life, to family, and to tradition. This February, during American Heart Month and peak flu season, the Herring Pond Wampanoag Tribe focuses on protecting both our hearts and our circle of community health by raising awareness about cardiovascular wellness and flu/COVID prevention.

📊 The Crisis in Numbers

• Heart disease is the leading cause of death for AI/AN people, with rates nearly 20% higher than the U.S. average[^1].
  
• Flu and COVID continue to disproportionately impact Native communities due to health inequities and higher rates of chronic illness[^2].
  
• Vaccination reduces the risk of severe flu illness by 40–60%, and COVID boosters significantly cut hospitalization risk[^3].
  

🌿 The Impact on Indigenous Communities

Heart disease and respiratory illness limit our elders’ ability to participate in ceremonies, share traditions, and guide future generations. When a community member is sick, the circle weakens. Protecting our hearts and preventing flu/COVID are both acts of sovereignty and survival.

⚠️ Recognizing the Signs

Heart Disease Warning Signs:

• Chest pain or pressure
  
• Shortness of breath
  
• Fatigue, dizziness, or fainting
  
• Pain in the arms, neck, or jaw
  

Flu/COVID Warning Signs:

• Fever, cough, or sore throat
  
• Shortness of breath or chest discomfort
  
• Severe fatigue or body aches
  
• Sudden worsening symptoms
  

🌎 Pathways to Prevention

• Heart Health: Traditional foods (corn, beans, squash, fish), walking, drumming, dancing, and avoiding smoking.
  
• Flu & COVID Prevention: Vaccinations, wearing masks in crowded spaces, hand washing, and staying home when sick.
  
• Community Care: Supporting elders with appointments, checking on vulnerable neighbors, and providing healthy meals.
  

💜 What You Can Do

• For yourself: Eat traditional foods, stay active, and get heart screenings + flu/COVID vaccines.
  
• For families: Encourage loved ones to schedule checkups, share walks or dances, and cook healthy meals together.
  
• For community: Join wellness circles, advocate for health access, and help reduce stigma around vaccines and heart disease.
  

📌 Resources for Heart & Flu/COVID Prevention

1. American Heart Association – Heart Health – heart.org
   
2. CDC – Flu Prevention – cdc.gov/flu
   
3. CDC – COVID-19 Resources – cdc.gov/coronavirus
   
4. Indian Health Service – Heart & Lung Health – ihs.gov
   
5. SAMHSA Native Connections – samhsa.gov/native-connections
   

🌅 Closing

A strong heart means a strong people. A healthy circle protects every generation.

Together, we heal