In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, let’s talk about American Heart Month. After all, February is all about love and hearts, including heart health!
From the Centers for Disease Control. Here are some sobering facts about heart disease:
- Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men, women, and people of most racial and ethnic groups in the United States.
- One person dies every 36 seconds in the United States from cardiovascular disease
- About 659,000 people in the United States die from heart disease each year—that’s 1 in every 4 deaths.
- Heart disease costs the United States about $363 billion each year from 2016 to 2017. This includes the cost of health care services, medicines, and lost productivity due to death.
The following are ways to optimize our hearts and live a healthy life, raising awareness during American Heart Month.
Make eating healthy a priority. Eating healthy can help control risk factors such as obesity and high cholesterol, leading to heart disease. Health experts and nutritionists believe in a Mediterranean diet. The eating plan centers on fruit, vegetables, and lean proteins like chicken, fish, whole grains, and tofu.
Start walking! It’s the simplest way to get moving and improve your health. It’s free, safe, and can be done just about anywhere. Whether you’re walking for a block or for up to 10,000 steps, remember everyone has to start somewhere! Try going for a walk today!
Outdoor activities. Like camping or hiking, outdoor activities contribute to a healthy heart and an overall improved quality of life. Hit the trails as soon as the weather gets warmer! Happy trails lead to a healthier heart.
Self-care. Research has shown self-care helps control stress and promotes happiness. Stress management is key to a healthier lifestyle. Whether you challenge yourself to enroll in a yoga class or a meditating class, small changes can impact your health in positive ways.
In honor of American Heart Month, the staff at Storage Authority is committed to reaching for heart-healthy foods and encouraging you to do the same.