February is here and so is American Heart Month. This is the time to focus on cardiovascular health and raise awareness about the dangers of heart disease. The month provides a great opportunity to encourage people to take action and maintain a healthy heart. Fortunately, it is possible to prevent cardiovascular issues through lifestyle changes and regular medical checkups with your family medicine specialist. In this article, we will delve into American Heart Month and how you can improve your heart health.

What Is American Heart Month?

February marks American Heart Month, which is a time to concentrate on heart health and educate people about heart disease prevention. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. It is responsible for one in four deaths every year. American Heart Month aims to raise awareness about heart disease and encourage people to take steps to reduce their risk. 

How to Improve Heart Health 

Improving heart health is crucial for preventing heart disease. Besides scheduling checkups with your family medicine specialist, here are some tips to help you maintain a healthy heart. 

• Eat a heart-healthy diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats can help lower your risk of heart disease. 
• Exercise regularly: Physical activity can help strengthen your heart and reduce your risk of heart disease. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week. 
• Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight or obese can increase your risk of heart disease. Losing weight can help lower your risk. 
• Quit smoking: Smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease. Quitting smoking can improve your heart health and reduce your risk. 
• Manage stress: Chronic stress can increase your risk of heart disease. Finding healthy ways to manage stress, such as exercise or meditation, can help improve your heart health.

American Heart Month is an opportunity to prioritize your heart health and take action to prevent heart disease. If you have any concerns about your heart health, United Hospital District is here to help. Our team of family medicine specialists is committed to providing compassionate care to our patients, and we’ve been proudly serving our community since 1966. We have three locations in Blue Earth, Fairmont, and Wells, MN, to better serve you. To learn more, visit our website or call us at (507) 526-7388.