February is American Heart Month

February is American Heart Month

Keep your health and heart in mind this month. Did you know February is American Heart Month? Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States and around 600,000 people will experience their first heart attack every year. So as you’re throwing out your empty Valentine’s chocolate boxes and flowers let’s shift attention to the heart that is with us year-round.

Visit Your Doctor

Schedule an appointment with your primary care physician. A fifth of heart attacks can go unnoticed by the person with heart disease. Your doctor is your best resource to gain an understanding of your health. Ask about these risk factors

• High blood pressure
• Excess weight or obesity
• Diabetes
• High Cholesterol

Diversify Your Diet

Eating healthy is sometimes hard but diversifying your diet can be fun. Find dishes with healthy fats, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fiber. Improve your health and excite your taste buds by picking an ingredient and finding a recipe from another culture. Try this grilled italian pesto salmon.

Increase Your Daily Activity Level

In the second half of winter, there is still so much you can do to increase your daily activity levels. Setting aside twenty to thirty minutes a day to take a brisk walk or a leisurely bike ride will strengthen your heart without tiring you out for the rest of the day. Grab a water bottle, lace up your boots, and hit the Meadowlark Connector trial.