February 4, 2025
Heart Health Month is celebrated throughout the month of February as a time to reflect on matters of the heart, but not just those of love and relationships. Heart Health Month is an opportunity to emphasize the importance of heart health.
Heart disease is a leading cause of death for women and men in the United States, and many Americans are at risk. However, when talking about protecting your heart and taking steps to improve your overall heart health, many feel they need to make big changes to achieve a healthy hearth. But it may be easier than you think to “put your heart” into your daily routine.
The American Heart Association suggests that simply taking time every day to care for yourself can go a long way toward protecting the health of your heart. Simple self-care, such as giving yourself time to move more, get more steps in throughout the day preparing healthier meals, not “cheating” on sleep, and keeping those routine doctor’s appointments can all benefit your heart.
Below are few self-care tips to try every day to make your heart a priority this February:
Self-Care Sunday
Find a moment of serenity every Sunday. Spend some quality time on yourself.
Mindful Monday
Be mindful about your health and regularly monitor your blood pressure or blood sugar if needed. Keep an eye on your weight to make sure it stays within or moves toward a healthy range. Being aware of your health status is a key to making positive change.
Tasty Tuesday
Choose how you want to approach eating healthier. Start small by pepping up your meals with a fresh herb or spice as a salt substitute. Get adventurous and prepare a simple, new, heart-healthy recipe. Or go big by trying a different way of eating, such as the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) eating plan, which is scientifically proven to lower blood pressure. DASH is flexible and balanced, and it includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, fish, poultry, lean meats, beans, nuts, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products.
Wellness Wednesday
Move more, eat a fruit or vegetable you’ve never tried, make a plan to quit smoking or vaping, or learn the signs of a heart attack or stroke. The principal signs of heart attack are chest and upper body pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, cold sweats, nausea, or lightheadedness. Unlike a heart attack, stroke signs can be numbness in the face, arm, or leg; confusion; trouble talking or seeing; dizziness; or a severe headache.
Treat Yourself Thursday
Treats can be healthy. Try making a dessert with fresh fruit and yogurt. Then stretch your imagination beyond food. Host a family dance party, take a few minutes to sit still and meditate, go for a long walk, or watch a funny show. Laughter is healthy. Whatever you do, find a way to spend some quality time on yourself.
Follow Friday
Follow inspiring people and pages on social media, or text a friend to help you stick to your self-care goals. Remember to take care of your mental health, too. If your mental health gets between you and your fabulous self, take action to show your heart some love. Reach out to family and friends for support or talk to a qualified mental health provider.
Selfie Saturday
Inspire others to take care of their own hearts. Talk about your self-care routine with loved ones or share a selfie on your social media platforms. Having social support and personal networks can make it easier to get regular physical activity, eat nutritious foods, reach a healthy weight, and quit smoking.
Hearth month is dedicated to raising awareness about heart health and cardiovascular diseases. It serves to us a reminder to prioritize heart-healthy lifestyles, learn about heart disease prevention, and support those affected by cardiovascular conditions.