Celebrate American Heart Month this February
Article Sourced from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. Most middle - aged and young adults have one or more risk factors for heart disease, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or being a smoker or overweight. Having multiple risk factors increases your risk of heart disease. The good news is that there ’ s a lot we can do to prevent it.
Connecting with Others is Good for Your Heart
Research shows that people with close relationships at home, work, or in their community tend to be healthier and live longer. One reason, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), is that we ’ re more successful at meeting our health goals when we work on them with others. Feeling connected with others and having positive, close relationships benefit our overall health, including our blood pressure and weight. Having people in our lives who motivate and care for us helps, as do feelings of closeness and companionship.
Lifestyle Tips
Here are some facts, how - to tips, and resources to inspire you to join with others, even if you can ’ t be physically together, to improve your heart health. Follow these lifestyle tips to protect your heart.
Be more physically active.
•
Maintain a healthy weight.
•
Eat a nutritious diet.
•
Quit smoking.
•
Manage stress.
•
Get 7 - 9 hours of quality sleep.
•
• Track your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar numbers.
You don ’ t have to make big changes all at once. Small steps will get you where you want to go.
Move More
Invite family, friends, colleagues, or members of your community to join you in your efforts to be more physically active:
How much is enough?
• Ask a colleague to walk “ with you ” regularly, put the date on both your calendars, and text or call to make sure you both get out for a walk. • Get a friend or family member to sign up for the same online exercise class, such as a dance class. Make it a regular date! • Grab your kids, put on music, and do jumping jacks, skip rope, or dance in your living room or yard.
Aim for at least 2½ hours of physical activity each week — that ’ s just 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week. In addition, do muscle - strengthening exercises 2 days a week. Can ’ t carve out a lot of time in your day? Try doing 10 minutes of physical activity at least three times a day. NHLBI ’ s Move More fact sheet has ideas to get and keep you moving.
Aim for a Healthy Weight
Page 25 | February 2025
Powered by FlippingBook