February is American Heart Month, and the State Health Department is putting its efforts, this year, into reaching out to Missourians who are considered especially vulnerable. The Department’s Linda Powell says the most vulnerable include diabetics because there is a strong link between diabetes and heart disease. Powell says people with diabetes can decrease their risk for heart disease and stroke by lowering their blood sugar, their blood pressure, and their cholesterol. They can also stay away from tobacco and eat healthy. Of course, that advice goes for all Missourians – diabetic or not.