Health & Wellness

Love Your Heart: Make Heart Health a Part of Your Self-Care Routine during American Heart Month

by/November 13, 2024
Group of people, women and men showing heart shape with their hands for heart health during American Heart Month.

February is American Heart Month, a month dedicated to raising awareness about heart disease and promoting heart health.

Heart disease is responsible for one in four deaths in the United States, making it a critical national issue. Understanding the major risk factors for heart disease and how to live a heart-healthy lifestyle is essential to protect your heart health. This blog post provides tips and advice to help you better understand the risk factors for heart disease and how to make heart health a regular part of your self-care routine.

What Is American Heart Month?

American Heart Month was first proclaimed by President Lyndon B. Johnson in February 1964. It aims to raise awareness about heart disease and educate people about ways to protect their heart health. 

Throughout the month, various campaigns and events are organized to promote heart health using #OurHearts and broken down into four weekly themes:

  • Be Physically Active

    At the start of the February heart month, the campaign encourages people to get together to be more physically active. You could organize a group walking session, take a new gym class, or even get a team together for a sporting event.

    Consider joining us for our 2023 Feds in Motion Challenge

  • Eat Healthier

    Eating well is a smart way to protect your heart’s health. During the second week of the campaign, those taking part are encouraged to learn more about heart-healthy foods. Check out our Wellness Wellness segment with Chef Herb from the University of the District of Columbia’s Center for Nutrition and Health as he demonstrates how to use fresh season ingredients to cook healthy meals the entire family will love.>>Wellness Wednesday Cooking Segment

  • Track Your Heart Health Stats

    During week three of American Heart Month, those taking part in the #OurHearts campaign will track their health stats. Check your blood pressure, and use your smartphone or a wearable tracker to see how well your heart is performing.

  • Manage Stress, Sleep Better, and Quit Smoking

    The final week of the campaign combines all of the ways in which you can protect your heart. Better sleep, less stress, and quitting smoking are smart places to start.

Make Heart Health Matter

Heart disease is a critical national issue with one in four deaths in the US caused by heart disease. Research suggests that many lack education about cardiovascular conditions and warning signs. 

By understanding the major risk factors for heart disease and making heart health a regular part of your self-care routine, you can protect your heart health and reduce the risk of heart disease. With small changes to your daily routine, you can make a big difference to your heart health and overall wellbeing.

Major Risk Factors for Heart Disease

There are many different risk factors that can affect your chances of developing heart disease, some of which are beyond your control. These risk factors include advanced age, gender, heredity risk, smoking, low physical activity, being overweight, stress, alcohol, and poor diet. Understanding the factors that affect your heart health is essential to making positive changes to protect your heart.

  • High Blood Pressure

    also known as hypertension, this condition puts extra strain on your heart and blood vessels and can increase the risk of heart disease.

  • High Cholesterol

    high levels of cholesterol in the blood can lead to the buildup of plaque in the arteries, which can increase the risk of heart disease.

  • Diabetes

    people with diabetes are at higher risk of developing heart disease because high blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels and nerves that control the heart.

  • Smoking

    smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease as it damages the blood vessels and makes them more prone to blockages.

  • Obesity

    being overweight or obese can lead to a variety of health problems, including heart disease.

  • Family history of heart disease

    if your parents or siblings have had heart disease, you may be at higher risk of developing it yourself.

  • Physical inactivity

    a lack of regular physical activity can increase your risk of developing heart disease.

Know the heart attack warning signs

  1. Your chest may hurt or feel squeezed
  2. You may feel discomfort in one or both arms, or your back or stomach.
  3. You may feel discomfort in your neck, shoulders, or jaw.
  4. You may feel like you can’t breathe.
  5. You may feel light-headed or dizzy, or break out in a cold sweat.
  6. You may feel sick to your stomach.

Some heart attacks are sudden. Others start slowly. You may not be sure if you are having a heart attack. Don’t wait, check it out right away. Call 9-1-1 immediately if you think you or someone else might be experiencing symptoms of a heart attack.

Living a Heart-Healthy Lifestyle

Living a heart-healthy lifestyle is essential to protect your heart health. Regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, quitting smoking, getting enough sleep, and managing stress are all important aspects of a heart-healthy lifestyle. Getting regular check-ups with your doctor, knowing your blood pressure, and monitoring your heart health stats can also help you stay on track.

Checkout the following healthy living resources from FEEA

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An silhouette or a woman doing a yoga pose with the words "5 easy stretches to start your day"
A silhouette of woman in yoga pose with a lake in the background with the words "gentle yoga"
Cooking with fresh seasonal ingredients
10 exercises you can do anywhere
An alarm clock is at the front of the picture with a person stretching in the background as they wake up. The article title "Your Guide to a Better Night's Sleep."

Heart Health Resources

  • PREVENT HEART DISEASE

    By living a healthy lifestyle, you can help keep your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels normal and lower your risk for heart disease and heart attack. The CDC guides you through choosing healthy habits and taking charge of your medical conditions.  >>Learn More 

  • KNOW YOUR RISKS

    Some risk factors for heart disease cannot be controlled, such as your age or family history. But you can take steps to lower your risk by changing the factors you can control. The CDC runs through the various risk factors. >>Learn More

  • Eating Healthy

    Healthy eating starts with healthy food choices. You don’t need to be a chef to create nutritious, heart-healthy meals your family will love. The American Heart Association guides you through what to look for at the grocery store, restaurants, your workplace and any eating occasion.  >>Learn More

  • FORMING HEALTHY HABITS

    Along with eating right and being active, real health includes getting enough sleep, practicing mindfulness, managing stress, AND  keeping mind and body fit. The American Heart Association has resources to guide you through positive steps to build a healthier life routine. >>Learn More 

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Tags:#AmericanHeartMonth #hearthealth #ourhearts, #healthandwellness, #healthyliving