Look in any store in February and you’re sure to find hearts everywhere. While the hearts in the store often symbolize delicious sweets and gifts for those you love, they are also a great reminder for us to be thinking about our hearts! The goal of American Heart Month is to spread awareness about cardiovascular problems. Even though heart disease is both preventable and controllable, it is still the leading cause of death in men and women. There are so many other chronic health conditions associated with heart disease, including different types of arthritis (osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis), diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. There are also factors that increase your risk for heart disease including physical activity, diet, obesity, tobacco use, high sodium intake, and your genetics.
There are lots of resources available including tips and advice to improve your heart health. Check out some below!
Keep Your Heart Healthy packet (Food and Drug Administration’s – FDA Office of Women’s Health)
Heart Health for Women (FDA’s Office of Women’s Health)
February is American Heart Month (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – CDC)
Red Dress Campaign Video (University of Missouri Health Care)
Finding Activities You Enjoy (Go4Life, National Institute for Health – NIH)
The Heart Truth (National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute – NIH)
Healthy Hearts, Healthy Homes (National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute – NIH)
Heart Healthy Valentine’s Day Tips (American Heart Association)
Understanding the New Prevention Guidelines (American Heart Association)
Warning Signs of Heart Attack, Stroke, and Cardiac Arrest (American Heart Association)
Steps to Better Health – Self-management and Physical Activity programs (MAOP and RACs)
No matter how you decide to start improving your heart health, it’s important to remember that every step you take is a step to better health!