February Is American Heart Month

February may be the shortest month of the year, but it is packed with important health observances, including American Heart Month. Since President Lyndon Johnson’s proclamation in 1963, February has been dedicated to raising awareness about heart disease and promoting heart health. The first official American Heart Month took place in 1964, emphasizing the need for Americans to recognize the risks of cardiovascular disease and to take action to prevent it. 

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women, and there are numerous risk factors that contribute to its development. These include age, family history, smoking, poor diet, high blood pressure, and physical inactivity. Certain factors, such as obesity, high cholesterol, and diabetes, also increase the risk. Symptoms of heart disease can vary—men are more likely to experience chest pain, while women may feel fatigue, shortness of breath, and nausea. Regardless of the symptoms, it’s essential to take heart health seriously.

One of the best ways to celebrate American Heart Month is by making changes to your lifestyle. Start by making heart-healthy food choices. Proper nutrition is one of the most powerful tools in reducing your risk of heart disease. A balanced, nutrient-dense diet plays a key role in heart health, and it’s important to make food choices that support your cardiovascular system. This includes incorporating more fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains into your meals, while reducing your intake of processed foods, sugary snacks, and high-fat options.

Here are a few heart-healthy foods to consider adding to your diet:

• Vegetables: Aim for a variety of colorful vegetables—each type provides unique nutrients that support overall health and help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

• Fruits: Choose natural sources of sugar from fruits like berries, apples, and oranges. These are rich in antioxidants and fiber, both of which support heart health.

• Whole Grains: Foods like oatmeal, quinoa, and brown rice are excellent sources of fiber, which helps to lower cholesterol levels and improve heart function.

• Lean Proteins: Skinless poultry, eggs, and seafood are great sources of protein without the high saturated fat content found in red meats.

• Plant-Based Proteins: Incorporating more beans, lentils, and nuts into your meals provides plant-based sources of protein, along with heart-healthy fats and fiber.

In addition to eating heart-healthy foods, staying physically active is another critical part of maintaining a strong heart. Getting at least 30 minutes of exercise per day helps keep your blood flowing and oxygenated, improving cardiovascular health. Whether you take a walk, ride a bike, or engage in other forms of movement, any activity that gets your heart rate up is beneficial. And even if you’re homebound, light movement or stretching can have positive effects.

Quitting smoking is another essential step in reducing your heart disease risk. Smoking damages your blood vessels and increases the likelihood of heart attacks and strokes. If you smoke, now is the perfect time to talk to your doctor about quitting, and they can help guide you on the best path to becoming smoke-free.

While lifestyle changes like diet and exercise are important, it’s also essential to get regular check-ups with your doctor to monitor heart health and stay on top of any medications you may need. Monitoring your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and other key health metrics can help you prevent heart disease before it becomes a serious issue.

For those who live alone or have any medical concerns, a Medical Alert System from LifeFone is an invaluable tool. In the event of a heart attack or stroke, fast emergency medical assistance can make all the difference. With just the press of a button, LifeFone assists you in getting the emergency help you need, offering peace of mind that assistance is never far away.

American Heart Month is the perfect opportunity to reflect on your heart health and take proactive steps to improve it. Start by talking with your doctor.  Then, consider making heart-healthy food choices and incorporating regular exercise into your routine. Encourage loved ones, especially seniors, to adopt these habits as well. Proper nutrition, along with daily movement, can significantly lower the risk of heart disease and improve overall well-being. Let’s take this month to celebrate and prioritize heart health, knowing that small changes can make a big impact.

At LifeFone, we believe that taking care of your health is essential to enjoying life’s precious moments. Our Safe Watch Active not only allows you to get help when you need it but it also allows you to monitor your heart rate, track your steps, view the weather and is available with optional fall detection. These features help you keep an eye on your health and your heart.