This February is already a heart-saturated month due to Valentine’s Day, but this time is more than chocolate boxes and an overweight, unattended child who shoots adorable heart-shaped arrows at people. Did you also know that February is also American Heart Month? Celebrate your love for your ticker by trying some of these recommendations from the Heart Foundation to improve your heart health!

1.      Thank you for not smoking. Smoking is terrible for your heart (and the rest of your body), so if you partake, consider giving up the cigarettes. If you don’t personally smoke, be aware of second-hand smoke which can put you at an increased risk for a heart attack.[1]

2.      Get some exercise. We have said it before, and we will say it again: exercising helps to keep your body healthy, especially your heart! Even if you cannot hit the gym like you used to due to the need to quarantine, you can still find ways to stay active during the day at your desk.*

3.      Eat a healthy and balanced diet. A diet high in salt and fat can be damaging to your heart, so be sure you’re fueling your body with healthy foods and getting all of your essential vitamins and minerals with a daily glass of Strong!** Additionally, by achieving and maintaining a healthy weight for your height through diet and exercise, you can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease.[2]

4.      Check your cholesterol and blood pressure. Both of those issues can be dangerous for your heart if they are too high, so make sure to talk to your doctor and ensure your levels are in the healthy range for you. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States with over 600,000 cases per year.[3] As the center of your cardiovascular system, your heart is incredibly important, so be sure you’re properly caring for it. Love your heart, love your body, and love yourself!

[1] “Heart Attack Prevention: Should I Avoid Secondhand Smoke?” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 25 Jan. 2018, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-attack/expert-answers/secondhand-smoke/faq-20058082.

[2] “How to Help Prevent Heart Disease - at Any Age.” American Heart Association, 3 Apr. 2017, www.heart.org/HEARTORG/HealthyLiving/How-to-Help-Prevent-Heart-Disease---At-Any-Age_UCM_442925_Article.jsp#.WoHhQ2inHrc.

[3] “National Center for Health Statistics.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 17 Mar. 2017, www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/leading-causes-of-death.htm.

*Bod•ē Pro recommends following a healthy approach to weight loss by consulting with your physician or healthcare provider prior to starting any new diet or exercise plan.

**This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.