Bivalent Bikers Unite

About this campaign: 

Bivalent Bikers Unite was a campaign to promote heart health through COVID-19 vaccinations and cycling. Through this campaign, bikers were able to connect with resources for COVID-19 vaccinations, learn about heart health, and how their healthy lifestyle is helping to prevent cardiovascular disease. 

CAMPAIGN BY U.S.H.R

Under-Served Health Resources (USHR) is a mission-driven organization advancing health equity and achieving better outcomes for underserved populations facing inequitable social and medical barriers through innovative health services. USHR is a 501c3 that receives support from federal/state agencies, foundations, and other philanthropies that are committed to advancing health equity for underserved communities with chronic medical needs. The organization ran by a dedicated, volunteer Board of Directors. For more information about USHR or to make a tax-deductible contribution, please visit USHRgroup.org

DID YOU KNOW?

People who had COVID-19 faced substantially increased risks for 20 cardiovascular conditions, this includes potentially catastrophic problems such as heart attacks and strokes all within the year after infection with the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. 

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HEART HEALTH FACTS

• Heart disease is the number one cause of death in the United States.
• ​1 in every 5 deaths are the result of heart disease. 
• One person dies every 34 seconds in the United States from heart disease.
• Heart disease disproportionately affects Black, Native American, Alaska Native, and Hispanic populations.
• Heart disease is more common in men and throughout life, men are twice as likely to have a heart attack
• High blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol, and COVID-19 increases your risk of getting heart disease. 
• You can help lower your chance of heart disease and heart attack by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. 
• Eating healthy foods, maintaining a healthy weight, regular physical activity, and getting your COVID-19 vaccination are all ways to keep your heart healthy.

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BY THE NUMBERS

20

Heart Conditions have increased risks after COVID-19 diagnosis

72

The percent increase of heart failure after COVID-19 diagnosis

10077

How many Iowans have died from COVID-19 as of 9.29.22 – Source: New York Times 

5

Out of this many people, one dies from heart disease in US – Source: CDC

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CYCLING CAN COMBAT HEART DISEASE

Regular cycling can significantly lower your chance of developing heart disease. Exercise can make your heart muscle stronger, reduce stress, aid in weight loss, and improve blood circulation. Cycling for just twenty minutes or more per day can keep your weight, blood pressure and cholesterol in check.³ Along with cycling, getting your COVID-19 vaccination can help protect your heart and lower your chance of heart disease.

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FIND COVID-19 VACCINE LOCATIONS NEAR YOU

The COVID-19 vaccine is a safe, effective way to prevent COVID-19. Getting the COVID-19 vaccine can help protect your community, active lifestyle, and heart.

If you are thinking about getting vaccinated, talk to a trusted medical professional to find out if it is right for you. They will be able to answer the questions you may have that may comfort you in this decision. Visit vaccines.gov to find latest information on vaccine availability and scheduling at certain pharmacies and providers.

Find Local Des Moines Vaccination Events:  VaxDSM.org

COVID-19 BIVALENT VACCINE BOOSTERS UPDATED VACCINE BOOSTERS AUTHORIZED FOR USE AS A SINGLE DOSE

The bivalent COVID-19 vaccines include a component of the original virus strain to provide broad protection against COVID-19 and a component of the omicron variant to provide better protection against COVID-19 caused by the omicron variant. These are called bivalent COVID-19 vaccines because they contain these two components. A bivalent COVID-19 vaccine may also be referred to as “updated” COVID-19 vaccine booster dose.

COVID-19 vaccines can help protect against severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. As the virus changes and your immunity naturally decreases over time, you may lose some of that protection.

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Search in your zip code to find a location where a bivalent COVID-19 vaccine booster dose is available near you. 

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SOURCES: 

1. "Cycling - health benefits - Better Health Channel." 26 Sept. 2022, site:www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/cycling-health-benefits.
2. Sidik, Saima May. "Heart-disease risk soars after COVID — even with a mild case." Nature, vol. 602, 10 Feb. 2022, p. 560, site:https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-022-00403-0#:~:text=Troubled%20hearts&text=The%20risk%20of%20heart%20failure,higher%20risk%20for%20many%20conditions.
3. ​https://www.fda.gov/emergency-preparedness-and-response/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/covid-19-bivalent-vaccine-boosters
4. Nordengen, Solveig et al. “Cycling is associated with a lower incidence of cardiovascular diseases and death: Part 1 - systematic review of cohort studies with meta-analysis.” British journal of sports medicine vol. 53,14 (2019): 870-878. doi:10.1136/bjsports-2018-099099
5. “Heart Disease Facts.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/facts.htm. 

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