Focus on Heart Health on Valentine’s Day in Honor of American Heart Month

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and we see it everywhere we go. The images of hearts remind us of the love we have in our daily lives. It is a time to let people we care about know we love them. It is also a time to remember our own heart health and the importance of loving ourselves. Focus on your heart health and how you can improve your overall well-being for Valentine’s Day and throughout the year. It is even easier now that February has been designated as American Heart Month.

February is American Heart Month

As people purchase greeting cards with hearts and flowers, February is also American Heart Month. It is a time to learn more about how your heart works and what you can do to keep it beating for years to come. After all, the people who love you will want you around for a long time. This happens when you are aware of how to have a healthy heart and take steps to make it happen. Consider getting involved in local events dedicated to American Heart Month so you can find out more. A national effort is being made, with the help of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to prevent 1 million heart attacks and strokes by 2017. This is done by lowering your blood pressure. Changes in your diet and exercise routine can make a big difference.

Eating for Better Heart Health

February is a perfect time of year to examine our dietary habits. After indulging throughout the holiday season, it becomes easy to make this indulgent behavior part of our daily lives. Unfortunately, this can lead to high blood pressure, diabetes, clogged arteries, and heart problems. Write down what you eat each day. Eliminate foods that are high in sugar and salt, which can lead to health issues. Toss out the cookies and potato chips. Make sure your refrigerator is filled with heart-healthy greens, fruits and low-fat dairy products, such as cottage cheese and yogurt. Stay away from fried foods and bake, broil or boil your foods instead. Opt for lean cuts of meat and cut the fat off meats before preparing and eating them. Learn more about proper portion sizes. Cook fresh foods rather than making preparing ones that are higher in preservatives and sodium.

Exercise Every Day

The heart is a muscle that needs to be worked out. This means engaging in at least 30 minutes of aerobic activity each day, such as swimming, walking, jogging, and biking. If you can’t get outside to workout, invest in a home fitness machine to ensure you get your exercise every day. For example, if you enjoy biking, get a stationary bike to use in your own living room, basement or den. The Life Fitness C1 is used in health clubs around the globe. The Go Console makes it easy to program a fitness routine. The Track+ console is interactive to connect with Apple and Android devices to provide a customized workout. These features help you stay motivated so you can enjoy the benefits of better heart health for the rest of your life.