As we already know, February is American Heart Month. It is a time to celebrate an important part of our body as well as making sure it’s in tip top shape! There are three big ways you can make sure your heart is running smoothly to keep you feeling great.

1. Make some heart-healthy food choices - The nutrients in foods provide great energy for the body as well as fuel for maintenance. Your heart loves fibrous vegetables, whole grains, fruits, and protein from legumes. Try to incorporate more of these foods into your diet, and REDUCE the amounts of high-sugar, high-fat foods.
2. Staying active, keeps the heart active - Any type of physical activity like walking, running, playing a sport or even movement through normal hobbies like gardening, are a great way to keep up with body and heart maintenance. According to University of Michigan Health, Your heart is an important muscle that circulates blood throughout your body. That blood provides oxygen and nutrients to many important organs. So putting your heart muscle to a little bit of work can go a long way for your health.
3. Peace of mind, Peace of heart - Although activity is good for the heart, too much stress and endurance can hinder its function. According to the CDC, several mental health disorders like anxiety disorder can have a direct correlation to illness and heart disease. Remember to take some time to relax, sit down and read a book, or meditate outside. It may not seem like much but the less stress on your brain, the less stress on your heart!

References:

 “How the Heart Works” - Michigan Medicine - The University of Michigan Health

“Heart Disease and Mental Health Disorders” - Heart Disease - Centers of Disease Control and Prevention