New data show 66 percent of U.S. adults are concerned that the pandemic is getting in the way of their healthy habits. The “Start Small. Live Big.” campaign encourages adults to take small steps to get back to living big.

Campaign is the latest from CDC Foundation’s Alliance for Million Hearts® – a public-private coalition formed to help CDC prevent one million heart attacks, strokes and cardiovascular events.

ATLANTA, Sept. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Now, 18 months into the pandemic, data are beginning to paint a clearer picture of the other health consequences of the pandemic, particularly on adults’ risk for heart disease—the leading cause of death in the United States. The CDC Foundation is taking note with a new campaign to remind adults of the importance of heart-healthy habits, including during a pandemic. Data collected during the pandemic show:

• Delays in medical care—The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates 41% of U.S. adults delayed or avoided medical care during the early months of the pandemic;
• Declines in physical activity—Obesity journal reported on a national survey that found sedentary behaviors increased and physical activity decreased during the pandemic;
• Increase in cardiovascular disease deaths—Deaths from heart disease and stroke increased in 2020, according to the National Center for Health Statistics ; and
• Concerns about healthy habits—Two-thirds (66 percent) of adults in the U.S. are concerned that the pandemic will keep them from practicing healthy habits like being active and eating healthier. (Based on a Porter Novelli Public Services PN View 360+ Survey, August 2021, unpublished data.)