AHM Title 2.jpg

What is American Heart Month?

The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute recognizes February as American Heart Month to raise awareness for heart health. Annually, 1 in 3 deaths in America is contributed to cardiovascular disease. That’s 800,00 Americans every year. Taking care of your heart is essential to living a long, healthy life. We’re sharing heart healthy tips and ways to take care of your heart all month. Show yourself some love this Valentine’s Day by taking care of your one and only, heart!

Alska Heart Disease.jpg

Quit Smoking

Get Moving!

We know that’s easier said than done and that quitting smoking is difficult. But you aren’t alone in your battle with smoking. There are plenty of resources and support for those who are starting their journey to being tobacco free.

Be Tobacco Free and Smoke Free both offer online research and tools to help you plan your quitting process. You’re also able to connect with experts and counselors via online chat or text for motivation and advice. Talking about your goals and desire to change your lifestyle can have a HUGE impact on the success of your change.

Don’t let your teens start smoking.
Talk with your teens about the dangers and expenses of smoking and vaping. Helping your teens understand the consequences will help make sure they remain tobacco free. You can’t be with your teens all the time, but you can give them the information they need to make the right choices for their health. Need help speaking with your teens about tobacco use? The American Lung Association has resources for speaking with your teens.

Staying physically active will greatly reduce your chance of developing a heart condition, or managing your heart condition if you have one. This month we’re challenging you to 30 minutes of activity every day!

Our favorite ways to get moving:

 

Manage Your Stress

Managing stress comes up a lot when we talk about healthy lifestyles and risk factors for health conditions. That’s because stress is REALLY hard on our bodies and our minds. Mentally stress can make it difficult to focus and make us feel anxious. Physically, stress often makes people tired and nauseous. One thing you might not realize stress is doing to your body is raising your blood pressure and putting extra strain on your heart.

Managing stress can help manage your blood pressure and heart health. Being physically active, stretching, getting an appropriate amount of sleep can all help manage your stress. If you’re doing these things and still feeling really stressed try talking to a loved one or a professional. Your heart will thank you.

Heart Healthy Diet

Your diet plays a large role in your heart health. Avoiding sodium and saturated fats can help you maintain a healthy heart. Try these tips to help avoid unnecessary sodium and saturated fats in your diet.

  • Rinse canned foods before serving.

  • Cook pasta without salt.

  • Avoid sugary drinks and sweets.

  • Don’t purchase instant or pre-seasoned foods.

  • Want more tips? National Heart Lung and Blood Institute has more resources for reducing sodium in your diet.

 

Heart Resources

We’ve only scratched the surface of heart healthy living. Living a heart healthy lifestyle takes practice and time to build and maintain habits. Talk to your doctor about your specific needs and risk factors. Everyone is different and everyone’s healthy lifestyle is different.

Want more information on living a heart healthy lifestyle?
American Heart Association
National Heart Lung and Blood Institute
Know Diabetes by Heart

7 Steps to a healthier heart.jpg
 
Seven Days of Self Care.png