February isn’t just about Sweetheart’s Day, also known as Valentine’s Day. It’s also American Heart Month, which makes it a time to focus on the most important relationship you’ll ever have — the one with your heart.

Having a month of heart health awareness is necessary because heart disease remains the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. However, the good news is that it is possible to prevent certain aspects of heart disease through healthy lifestyle choices.

Why Heart Health Matters

Your heart is a vital muscle of the body. It works constantly to pump blood and oxygen throughout your body. Despite its importance, factors such as poor diet, lack of exercise, smoking, and chronic stress can put your heart at risk. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), half of all adults in the United States have at least one major risk factor for heart disease. These risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, and smoking. Taking small, consistent steps toward heart-healthy habits can significantly reduce your risk and improve your overall quality of life.

Protect Your Heart

• Move more. Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity most days of the week. Walking, dancing, stretching, or chair exercise are all great options.
• Eat smart. Fill your plate with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. Limit foods high in salt, sugar, and saturated fat. Maintain a healthy weight; even small changes can improve heart health and reduce strain on the heart.
• Know your numbers. Blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels are the key indicators of heart health. Schedule regular medical check-ups.
• Manage stress. Practice mindfulness, deep breathing, prayer, meditation, or hobbies that bring joy to support emotional and heart health.
• Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke. If you smoke, seek support to quit. Also, don’t sit around others who smoke, because the smoke can still negatively affect your health. Smoking damages blood vessels and increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.
• Make sleep a priority. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night to help regulate blood pressure and heart function.
• Schedule regular checkups. Make it a priority to have regular checkups with your doctor. Routine visits help to catch risk factors early and keep your heart on track.

Spread the Word

Heart Health Month is an ideal time to encourage family, friends, and colleagues to take small, meaningful steps toward better health. Share these action steps and contact your local county Extension office for additional heart health resources and information available in your county. Additionally, you can visit www.aces.edu and search for heart health.