Just when you think the holidays are over and the thrill of the new year has finally tapered down, here comes February – Groundhog Day, Super Bowl Sunday, Mardi Gras, Valentine’s Day and Presidents Day, oh my! February is a multi-themed, food-filled month of celebration.
We anticipate the shadow reveal of Punxsutawney Phil, we break out the favorite football jersey to root for our team, we plan our menu of anything and everything on Fat Tuesday and – if that isn’t enough – we love to eat chocolates on the day of love. Then when it’s all over (and after a slight weight gain), we hit the mall for some comfy stretch wear with Presidents Day sale bargains!
But wait, how about doing something this month to celebrate our health and focus on our heart? If we can take advice from a small woodchuck about the weather, we surely can take advice from the American Heart Association about our health!
February is American Heart Month, and part of that is National Wear Red Day. This year, I broke out my favorite red cardigan as a symbol of support!
The American Heart Association and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute encourage all of us to take action against heart disease. Studies show that 80% of cardiac and stroke events may be preventable with education and action.
Find time to talk to your family and get everyone on board with heart health. Encourage healthy eating habits by making healthier versions of your favorite food. Choose foods and recipes low in sodium and with no added sugar or trans fats. When you shop, buy colorful fruits and veggies – which are all powerhouses when it comes to nutrition – and stay away from dairy and meat products that are high in fat.
Physical activity can also help you stay heart-healthy. It’s not only what you put into your body, it’s also what you put out. Exercise helps to improve heart health, and it can even help reverse certain heart disease risk factors. Our heart becomes stronger from exercise, which helps it pump more blood through the body and work at maximum level without strain.
Aerobic activities at least three to four times a week are the best. Choose walking, swimming or biking, and allow for a good five minutes of stretching beforehand (to warm up your muscles) and a cool-down period after you’re through. And of course, always check with your doctor before starting any new physical routine.
So this February, maybe cut back on how much you indulge in lavish holiday food choices (remember that New Year’s resolution?) and celebrate in a new way. Go out and buy something red to wear to celebrate heart health – and six more weeks of winter. Or will it be an early spring? Better check with Punxsutawney Phil before you go!
Jessica Arroyo – Wenatchee WA – Jessica Arroyo is a community liaison for Health Alliance NorthwestTM, serving Chelan, Douglas, Grant and Okanogan counties in Washington. Born and raised in the Wenatchee Valley. During her time off she enjoys spending time with her husband and her two very busy kids.
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