From the Heart: Tips for a Stronger, Healthier You

As red hearts, blooming roses, and delicious chocolates fill your social media feeds, Valentine’s Day is all around us. Just like we long for romance, our physical hearts deserve love, too. February is American Heart Month, designed to spotlight cardiovascular health, raise awareness about heart disease, and encourage you to strengthen and protect your heart at every age. Championed by the American Heart Association, this month is an opportunity to focus on your health.

Red heart-shaped charm on top of white fabric hearts and red polka dots.

Heart Disease is Serious, But Preventable

Despite the societal increase in healthy foods and exercise, heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, ahead of cancer and preventable injuries.¹ It affects people of all backgrounds and kills hundreds of thousands of Americans every year. Heart disease continues to be a pervasive public health challenge.

But the good news is that heart disease is preventable. Many of the risks and symptoms, like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, having a sedentary lifestyle, and poor diet, can be improved with mindful choices.

Make Heart-Healthy Choices Daily

This February, think of your heart as if it was one of the people you care about most: deserving of attention, nourishment, care, and protection. Some examples of this include:

• Move your body: Aim for at least 150 minutes weekly, or about 20 minutes daily, of moderate to intense activity. This could include walking, dancing, swimming, or any kind of exercise that gets your heart pumping.

• Eat with your heart in mind: A balanced diet that’s rich in heart healthy fruits, like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fat will support your cardiovascular health.

• Know your numbers: Get regular checkups to monitor your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar. This will help you get the full picture of your heart health.

• Reduce risky behaviors: Quitting smoking, limiting alcohol, and managing stress can help improve your heart health and overall wellness.

Wear Red, Spread Awareness

In addition to improving your own heart health, you can also join a community dedicated to this goal, too. Each February, the American Heart Association holds events like National Wear Red Day to encourage wearing red in support of heart disease awareness and prevention. You can also join their Nation of Lifesavers by learning CPR and volunteer to help create a healthier world. Get involved at heart.org/en/american-heart-month.

Valentine’s Day gives us a special moment to reflect on all the people that matter most. There’s no better way to honor that love than to invest in your own heart health and encourage your friends and loved ones to do the same.

1 According to https://injuryfacts.nsc.org/all-injuries/deaths-by-demographics/all-leading-causes-of-death.