February is American Heart Month!

February is American Heart Month! ❤️ Heart disease is the #1 cause of death for men and women in Indiana! There are so many things you can do to decrease your chances of heart disease and improve your health! Follow along to find out more.

Love your heart:  Understand why it's important to keep your heart healthy. What is your “why”? Your “why” is the reason you want to be health and the best version of you. Find something (or someone!) that motivates you.  Is it your family? Your pets? Your job? Keep these things (or people) in mind on your heart health journey!

Get active: Being physically active is the cornerstone of health. The Department of Health and Human Services recommends adults should do at least 150 minutes to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity a week for optimal health. Are you unable to currently do that many minutes a week, that's okay! Do what you can, and work up to the recommended levels. Remember, any activity is better than no activity. Going for walks, getting fresh air, doing yoga and stretching are all accessible ways to get in physical activity, no matter where you live, work, or play!

Visit your primary care provider: Your primary care provider is a wealth of knowledge and resources. If you don’t have a primary care provider, it is highly recommended you find one that you trust and feel comfortable with. A primary care provider can help you navigate the health care system, can teach you preventative care, advise you on your lifestyle choices, and can refer you to other specialists if needed. If you have an established primary care provider, this individual should know your medical history, know your family history, and has an understanding of your health! Generally speaking, medical professionals recommend having a physical wellness exam done yearly for preventative care. February is a great time to get that scheduled!

Eat well: All Americans should eat a balanced diet. Individuals with a personal or family history of heart disease should focus on eating a diet low in salt and saturated fats. Purdue Extension Blackford County hosts a program regularly called Be Heart Smart that helps participants evaluate and improve dietary choices, physical activity, and more! Additionally, the American Heart Association has a few great diet recommendations. You can find more about that, here!

Know your numbers: Be an advocate for yourself and your health and know your numbers! Know your cholesterol level, blood pressure, and blood sugar. Talk to your primary care physician about this to ensure they are at healthy levels!

Quit smoking: Did you know your body can repair itself after you quit smoking? It can! It’s NEVER too late to quit and reap the benefits. Ask your primary care physician about ways to quit – they may have tips, guidance, success stories, and may be able to prescribe an FDA approved cessation aid for you. You can also visit www.quitnowindiana.com to learn more about quitting and get set up with a FREE quit coach to help you kick start this journey. You may even qualify for FREE nicotine replacement therapy like nicotine gum, patches, or lozenges! Regardless, take the first step – you won’t regret it!

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