Happy American Heart Month!

While many people relate February to candy and boxed chocolate hearts, it is also the month to celebrate and educate people on the most precious kind of heart: your own. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in both men and women, but what most people don’t realize is that it is preventable. Taking time to learn about how to improve cardiovascular health is not only helpful to yourself, but your loved ones as well. Fill your heart with love and knowledge this month by following these tips:

Show passion for a healthy diet: Think lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fish! Filling up on fruits and vegetables not only provides your body with heart-friendly vitamins and nutrients, they also contain antioxidants which will protect your heart. Along with fruits and vegetables, eating whole grains provides fiber which helps to reduce cholesterol and blood pressure. Fish, especially fatty fish such as salmon, are rich in omega-3 fatty acids which help reduce inflammation and keeps your heart pumping to its fullest capacity!

Adore your body: Exercising for at least 30 minutes a day can help to reduce heart disease by strengthening heart muscles, lowering blood pressure, and increasing circulation. Not sure where to start? Set time aside to take a stroll with someone you love or try a new class at the gym for some inspiration!

Cherish your check-ups: Seeing the doctor is essential to your health. If you have a family history of heart disease, it is important to have your blood pressure checked, total cholesterol tested, and glucose monitored. All of these can show signs of risk or of health. The earlier you know if there is a risk, the earlier you can reverse any problems!

Delight in ending a bad habit: Need a reason to stop drinking or smoking? Well, these are two hazards when it comes to your heart. Smoking should be cut out completely. Studies have also shown increased blood pressure in men having more than two drinks a day and one drink for women.

Obesity is a major risk factor for the development of heart disease, but this does not mean it is inevitable; the time to make small steps is now. February is a month famous for love, and what better way to show love for yourself and the ones you care about by giving the gift of a healthy, strong heart!

Which tip will you incorporate this month to make your heart healthier?

Like this post? Share it!