Heart disease is still the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. The only good news about this fact is that it is also preventable.
This February, while you can still give flowers and hang up heart shaped decorations in celebration of Valentine’s Day, try to also start honoring the fact that it is Heart Health Month, and begin making heart healthy choices for yourself and for those around you.
Some fun ways that you can kick-off year hearth-healthy lifestyle, and improve heart health this month are –
1~ Hugs. Giving and receiving hugs not only make you feel loved, but also contribute to your overall happiness, which aids in good health. Try to remember to hug your loved ones daily, passing and sharing these positive vibes. And don’t stop the love there – while at the office, try smiling and greeting colleagues, cheerfully passing on happiness.
2~ Hustle. One of the top keys to better health is to move more. If you are pressed for time, try suggesting to other co-workers to take a daily walk during lunch or break time. You can also sign up for a local charity walk, which helps raise funds for heart health, or even look into taking a Zumba or other fitness dance class at the local gym.
3~ Hydrate. Another important factor in staying healthy is keeping yourself hydrated throughout the day. Coffee is fine in moderation, but nothing hydrates like water, which must be ingested for the body to function properly. To ensure that you get an adequate amount of water, try carrying an insulated water bottle in your purse or work bag at all times, so that you can re-fill it throughout the day.
4~ Have a Heart. Try to find the time this month, and in the future, to donate blood. The American Red Cross is always in need of donations, and this is a great way to give back. If you don’t know of any blood drives being held in your area, the American Red Cross website is an excellent place to visit where you can see where and when drives will be held close to you. If you can’t donate, volunteer to help at a blood drive.
5~ Heart Wobble. Instead of giving someone a bag of candy hearts this year, try secretly ambushing a person (or several) with random acts of kindness. One idea is to pay for the person’s order that is behind you at the Starbuck’s drive-thru. You can also make a healthy dinner and deliver it to a friend, or just go and spend some time with an elderly neighbor. Good always yields good.
6~ Healthy Heart. Decide to start a healthier diet and pick a day to bring healthy snacks to the office. A diet with low sodium and lots of fruits and vegetables promote heart health. A veggie tray with avocado dip can make a wonderful healthy snack that the whole office can enjoy.
While you can still enjoy the festivities that Valentine’s Day has to offer, also try spending the month of February promoting a healthier lifestyle, starting with heart health.
