Rob Thomas, P.A.-C, with FirstHealth Family Care Center-Troy presents a “Heart Healthy” program for the Star Senior Center Outreach group during a regularly scheduled meeting on Feb. 10. Cardiovascular diseases, including stroke, are the nation’s number one killer. To urge Americans to join the battle against cardiovascular diseases, Congress has since 1963 required the president to proclaim February as American Heart Month. During American Heart Month, thousands of volunteers visit their neighbors to pass along information about heart disease and stroke.