February is American Heart Month, a time to recognize the importance of cardiovascular health and its impact on our families, our communities, and our nation. As President of the Board of the Traumatic Brain Injury Foundation of Seattle, I want to highlight a connection that is not always part of the conversation: heart health is deeply intertwined with brain health.

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, affecting millions of individuals each year.

At the Traumatic Brain Injury Foundation of Seattle, we understand that cardiovascular health plays a critical role in neurological well-being. The brain relies on a healthy heart to deliver oxygen and nutrients essential for cognitive function. Conditions such as high blood pressure, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases can significantly increase the risk of brain conditions and long-term neurological challenges.

Protecting your heart—through regular exercise, balanced nutrition, blood pressure management, and preventive care—is one of the most powerful steps you can take to protect your brain.

This American Heart Month, I encourage each of us to take action: schedule a check-up, learn your numbers, support local health initiatives, and advocate for policies that expand access to preventive care. Small steps, taken collectively, can create lasting change.

I invite you to learn more about the Plus One Foundation’s Think About It education initiative.

Thomas Lehrich
President of the Board