Some valentines are simple hearts cut from construction paper. Others are elegant hearts adorned with ribbon and lace. Some are heart-shaped boxes of chocolates. Others are little candy hearts printed with quirky messages.
We associate February with hearts because of Valentine’s Day. But there’s another reason to think about hearts this month. Do you know what it is?
Let’s find out.
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Celebrate American Heart Month
February is American Heart Month, an annual observance in the United States. It is related to National Wear Red Day, when many people wear red to bring awareness to heart disease. And it’s the perfect time to focus on ways to support and maintain a healthy heart.
We give away a lot of hearts on Valentine’s Day. But no heart is more important than yours. It’s a gift that keeps on giving – as long as you take care of it.
In today’s post, we’ll look at three ways to love your heart – on Valentine’s Day, and all year long. But first, a look at some heart disease risk factors.
Protect Yourself From Heart Disease
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. One in five deaths occur from heart disease. This, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The most common types of heart disease are coronary heart disease, heart attack, heart failure, and stroke. High blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, and smoking are key risk factors. Health conditions and lifestyle choices that increase the risk include:
- Diabetes
- Overweight / obesity
- Unhealthy diet
- Physical inactivity
- Excessive alcohol use
Heart disease impacts everyone, but you can play a role in its prevention. Protect yourself – and your family – by understanding the risks and taking steps to address them.
📋 DISCLAIMER – Savoring Home does not provide health or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The content on this website is for information only.
3 Ways to Love Your Heart
This February, celebrate American Heart Month along with Valentine’s Day. Start with healthy lifestyle choices, such as getting exercise and eating heart-healthy meals. Love your heart! Here are three ways to do that, now and throughout the year.
1. Eat Your Chocolates
Did you get a box of chocolates for Valentine’s Day? Go on and treat yourself to a bite. Medical experts say a small amount of chocolate is good for your heart.
Cocoa, chocolate’s main ingredient, lowers the risk of heart disease. Flavanols in cocoa beans rebel environmental toxins and improve heart function. Their antioxidant effects reduce cell damage that is common in heart disease.
Dark chocolate is the best source for flavanols. Chocolates with at least 70 percent pure cocoa have the most health benefits. Their heart-healthy properties lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. They also improve blood flow to the heart and brain.
The Mayo Clinic said dark chocolate has benefits for other conditions, too. It may lower the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, dementia, and some cancers.
2. Get Your Move On
An inactive lifestyle is a top risk factor for heart disease. Your heart is a muscle that gets stronger and healthier with exercise. It needs strength training like your abs, biceps, hamstrings, and other muscles.
Regular exercise – especially aerobic exercise – is the best way to strengthen your heart. Walking, jogging, bicycling, dancing, tennis, and swimming are common aerobic activities.
Exercise strengthens your cardiovascular system, improves circulation, lowers blood pressure, and boosts energy. It strengthens your large muscles, bones, and lungs. It also enhances your emotional well-being.
The American Heart Association recommends 30 minutes of exercise on five days a week. Even dividing this into 10- or 15-minute segments, your heart will grow stronger in time. A strong heart does its job with fewer heartbeats.
3. Know Your ABCS
The CDC encourages Americans to know their ABCS. No, not the letters of the alphabet. ABCS is an acronym for four specific heart-healthy practices:
A – Aspirin for people at risk. Ask your doctor if you should take an aspirin every day. Low-dose aspirin therapy may prevent heart attack and stroke. Especially if you smoke or have diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol.
B – Blood pressure control. When your blood pressure rises, your heart must work harder than normal. This puts a strain on your heart muscle and blood vessels. High blood pressure can cause an enlarged heart, blood vessel damage, or stroke.
Check your blood pressure on a regular basis, and do what you can to keep it under control. If your blood pressure is high, your doctor can prescribe medication to manage it.
C – Cholesterol management. Healthy cholesterol is a good thing. It builds new cells, insulates nerves, and produces hormones. But you can have too much of a good thing.
Cholesterol can build up in your arteries, causing a heart disease called atherosclerosis. If a blockage cuts off your blood supply, you can have a heart attack. Manage your cholesterol levels with heart-healthy foods or medication prescribed by your doctor.
S – Smoking cessation. Most people associate cigarette smoking with lung disease. But 20 percent of heart disease deaths in the United States relate to smoking. Quitting is one of the best ways to love your heart.
Wrapping It Up
It’s never too late to take steps to protect your heart. It’s also never too early, since heart disease begins in childhood. Start with these tips to keep your heart strong. If you’re a parent, help your kids build strong bodies and healthy habits.
You only have one heart, so protect it. Talk to your doctor about your risk for heart disease. Create an action plan, then do what it takes to get – and stay – healthy. Love your heart! ◻️
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- Feeling Stressed Out? How to Respond When the Pressure is On
Now It’s Your Turn
Thank you for reading my post. Now it’s YOUR turn to chime in. What steps will you take to love your heart on Valentine’s Day – and all year long?
Let’s fill the comments with friendly conversation. Scroll down to leave a response, ask a question, or just say hello. And if you liked this post, please give it a share.
Blessings, Annette
📋 NOTE – You are reading “3 Ways to Love Your Heart – on Valentine’s Day, and All Year Long.” A version of this post appeared on HubPages in 2013. It has been updated for the Savoring Home community.
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