February is American Heart Month and it’s a good time to consider healthy habits. Heart disease remains the number one cause of death in Virginia. Public health and healthcare partners encourage some simple changes to your routine that can help reduce the risk of heart disease.
- Choose healthy meals and snacks. Include fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet. Choose foods lower in sodium and saturated fat. Try some heart healthy recipes. You can find recipes on MyPlate, a resource from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
- Make physical activity a regular part of your day. Adults should get at least 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week. This type of exercise could be a brisk walk, running, or bicycling. Learn more about ways to increase your physical activity throughout the day.
- Take steps to quit smoking. Contact Quit Now Virginia. They offer a free counseling program via telephone or online. They also offer Text2Quit support, self-help materials, and referrals to local resources. Contact the program at 1-800- QUIT NOW (1-800-784-8669) or learn more at the Quit Now Virginia website.
- Check your blood pressure. Read more about ways to manage blood pressure and prevent heart disease.
- Monitor your heart health. Use these tools American Heart Month Communications Toolkit | Heart Disease | CDC