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February is Heart Health Month

3 Ways to Show Someone That You Love Them

You know that Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, but did you know that February is American Heart Health Month?

That means it’s time for you to show someone that you love them…but maybe not through buying them sweets or flowers.

So how can you express love to someone? Here are three ideas that might help you:

1-Commit to a walking schedule with your loved one.

 

This one has a double benefit. You and your loved one get the physical exercises, and you get to share time together. There is a lot of research that backs the positive effects of exercises on heart health. So much, in fact, that you might consider it “common sense,” now.

Additionally, improving psychological well-being by having time with your loved one has also been shown to improve cardiovascular health. You can be that positive influence to help your loved one be happier and healthier. Exercise helps to decrease symptoms of depression and anxiety as well.

During this time of global pandemic, if you cannot get together physically, your walk “together” might mean talking via cell phone while going for your walk.

2-Plan a “date” with your loved one to go for a hike, or cook a healthy meal for Valentine’s Day, rather than giving them candy.

A date doesn’t have to be a candlelight dinner at a fancy restaurant followed by sitting around for 2-hours watching a movie. Why not schedule an “active” date, like going for a hike at Oregon Ridge Park, or a tranquil walk at Meadowood Park?

Follow that up with a nice, healthy, home-cooked meal. Here are some easy ways to cook healthier at home.

  • Add color with veggies.

  • Reduce salt by substituting other spices.

  • Add a salad to the line-up…but make a wise choice on the dressing!

  • Try a healthy oil to cook or make your dressing with.

You also have the added benefit of spending time with your loved one…which is a gift in itself!

 

February is American Heart Month

3-Encourage your loved one to sit for less time.

The American Heart Association recommends 150-minutes of activity a week for adults. That might sound like a lot, but it is only 30-minutes a day, 5-times per week.

You can encourage your loved one to get that extra activity by simply having them sit for less time. Moving around the house counts. Even light exercise offsets some of the cardiovascular risk. Doing some household chores, like vacuuming, also counts as moderate-intensity exercise.

Some Other Heart-Healthy Ideas to Incorporate into Your Day

 

Additionally, there are many other ways to reduce risk, reduce stress, and take care of your heart.

  • Get plenty of sleep…at least 6-8 hours a night.

  • Pay attention to any/every chest pain.

  • Schedule your regular physical/health examination.

  • Keep a healthy body weight…watch that waistline.

  • Eat a healthier diet…one decision at a time.

  • Pay the kid next door to shovel your snow.

These are just a few ways to take care of your heart this February. Try to make a habit of doing them. Consistency matters when it comes to your health and how your body responds to stresses.

#AmericanHeartMonth

#OurHearts

@american_heart

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