February: A Month for Your Heart and a Path Toward Your Best Self
By: Trevan Hendry, MS, OMS-II
February is more than the month of Love; it’s also American Heart Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness regarding cardiac health and encouraging people to take proactive steps toward a stronger heart. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, even though deaths from cardiovascular disease have been cut in half since the American Heart Association’s founding in 1924. The good news is that many risk factors are preventable with lifestyle changes.
Why Heart Health Matters
Your heart works tirelessly, beating about 100,000 times daily to pump oxygen-rich blood throughout your body. However, high blood pressure, poor diet, or lack of exercise can compromise the heart, increasing your risk for heart attacks, strokes, and other serious conditions. Prioritizing your heart health not only adds years to your life but can also improve your quality of life, allowing you to truly become your best self.
But Heart Health isn’t just about physical well-being; it’s also about emotional and mental well-being. Loving yourself means taking care of yourself – from the inside out. Your heart isn’t just an organ; it’s a symbol of your vitality, your emotions, and the life you have the power to shape. By treating your body with kindness and care, you affirm your self-worth and embrace the journey toward becoming the best version of yourself.
Ways to Protect Your Heart
- Stay Active – The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week (e.g., brisk walking, cycling, swimming)
- Eat a heart-healthy diet – Focus on whole foods and reduce sodium, sugar, and saturated fats.
- Prioritize Sleep – Poor sleep can increase the risk of heart disease. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep every night.
- Quit Smoking – Smoking can damage blood vessels. If you smoke, quitting is one of the best things you can do for your heart health.
- Manage Stress – Chronic stress can lead to increased blood pressure and heart rate. Find stress-reducing activities to include in your daily routine (e.g., yoga, meditation, deep breathing)
- Know Your Numbers – Regularly check your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels. Early detection of risk factors allows for timely intervention.
Spread the Word This Heart Month
Take a moment to assess your heart health and encourage those around you to do the same. You are worth the effort, care, and investment in a healthier, longer, and more fulfilling life.
By making heart-healthy choices, you are investing in a longer, healthier future and embracing the power of self-love. When you love yourself fully—mind, body, and spirit—you truly become your best self.