Dear Residents,

Did you know that February is American Heart Month?

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. In fact, one person dies every 33 seconds from cardiovascular disease! Though prevention is possible. Many adults have risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, or obesity. One of NWBRHC’s priorities as your local health department is to help our residents live healthier lives. Specifically, we want to make it easier for people to make healthy choices How? Small lifestyle changes can make a big difference!

Here are some things you can do:

1. Get Enough Quality Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours per night, maintain a consistent sleep schedule, and avoid caffeine before bed.
2. Eat Better: Follow a heart-healthy diet and limit saturated fats, sodium, and added sugars.
3. Be More Active: Engage in at least 150 minutes (2 ½ hours) of moderate aerobic exercise weekly and incorporate muscle-strengthening activities.
4. Stop Smoking: Set a quit date, seek support from healthcare providers and quit programs.
5. Manage Stress: Use relaxation techniques, meditation, and yoga to reduce stress.
6. Control Blood Pressure: Monitor blood pressure regularly and keep it within a healthy range.
7. Practice Self-Care: Devote a little time each day to your heart. Remember, self-care is heart care.

Use the Heart Health Tracker to keep track of important numbers related to your heart health

Visit the resources below from our partners for more information to help you take charge of your heart health!

Fact Sheets:

1. Take Action for Your Heart: Get Started! Fact Sheet
2. Heart Smart Basics: What to Know to Keep Yours Healthy Fact Sheet
3. Know the Difference Fact Sheet

Website:

1. www.hearttruth.gov
2. www.heart.org/en/american-heart-month
3. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/education/american-heart-month
4. https://www.cdc.gov/heart-disease/data-research/facts-stats/index.html