Love is in the air! In addition to Valentine’s Day, February ushers in an emphasis on the heart with American Heart Month. This month is a great time to raise awareness of heart health and encourage healthier habits so that we can all live healthy and happy lives.
To help prevent heart disease, it’s important to make self-care a priority, such as exercising regularly, eating nutritious foods, and managing stress. You could try a new type of exercise to get your heart pumping (stretching counts!) or even incorporate some heart-healthy foods into your diet. Additionally, it’s helpful to show your heart some extra love this month by getting regular checkups and monitoring your blood pressure — maybe more than you usually would. Part of maintaining a healthy heart is creating habits that will last all year long, and now is as good a time as any to kickstart those healthy habits!
Taking care of your heart is crucial. Unfortunately, heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, causing 1 out of every 4 deaths. Knowing what the symptoms of heart disease are earlier on can help you prioritize it and take the appropriate actions to stay healthy — whether it’s stopping an unhealthy habit like smoking, knowing which foods to start eating, or discussing other options with your healthcare provider. The sooner you’re aware — the better.
However, without the proper resources or knowledge, it can be challenging to find a feasible path to maintain your health. Below are just a handful of organizations and nonprofits that are helping to promote heart health, raising awareness of heart disease, educating the public on the risk factors, and even offering unique programs for children living with heart disease.
Use this month as an excuse to love yourself and others just a little bit more. Spread the love by donating to these organizations that are helping to promote heart health in the U.S. 🫀❤️