February Heart Month: 5 Healthy Heart Tips

February is American Heart Month, with National Wear Red Day

February 6, 2024, is National Wear RED Day. Make a powerful statement to inspire other women by wearing RED. Remember, heart disease is the leading cause of death among women in the United States.

Heart Disease is the cause of one out of 3 deaths of women each year. That’s 1 woman every minute! Heart disease strikes more women than men. Heart Disease is more deadly than all forms of cancer combined.

Think about that for a moment!

And only 44% of women recognize that CVD is a greater threat than all cancers, including Breast Cancer.

How is that possible when there is so much information about Cardiovascular Disease and women?

On a positive note, awareness of cardiovascular disease has increased over the past decade. This awareness is due to increased research, more available educational resources, and social media bringing awareness to the forefront.

Heart disease is preventable and can be managed. Many contributing factors can or could play a role in developing CVD, such as genetics, gender, and ethnicity, but at the end of the day, lifestyle is the major culprit.

As women, we need to educate ourselves, take personal responsibility, and commit to adopting and living a healthy lifestyle.

Take Control of Your Health.

Join me in going red this month! Here are my top five helpful tips to help you gradually make positive changes to your lifestyle.

Top 5 Heart Health Tips

1. Make daily walking a priority. Get out of the four walls and go outdoors to breathe fresh air, get Vitamin D (wear sunscreen), and get reacquainted with Mother Earth. Aim for 150 minutes of moderate physical activity weekly. Do My 28 Day Walking Challenge.

2. Disconnect from social and news media for 1 hour daily. You will be surprised by how much social and news media can affect you mentally and physically.

3. Reduce Highly-Processed Foods, sodium, sugar, and pre-packaged foods sparingly, and say no to alcohol (inflammation, need I say more). Eat well. A balanced nutritional menu includes fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, such as beef, chicken, and fish.

4. Embrace mental health breaks by dedicating 15 minutes to silence to regain your inner self.

5. Take charge of your health. Make it a priority to schedule your annual physical, knowing your health numbers can help delay or prevent metabolic syndromes.

Learn more about heart disease and breast cancer.

***BE SMART. Before you get started, if you’ve been sedentary for the last 3 months, are over 55, and there is a family history of cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, or hypertension, visit your physician for a medical clearance before engaging in any physical activity.