The Scoop10 heartwarming ways to celebrate heart month
It’s time to celebrate Heart Month! And we’re not talking about the candy hearts and heart-shaped boxes of chocolates lining the shelves of grocery stores. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, with about 1 in 5 deaths attributed to cardiovascular disease, and it’s the second leading cause of death in Canada, affecting approximately 2.4 million Canadian adults.
Recent initiatives are specifically focused on raising awareness for women as studies show nearly 45% of women ages 20+ are living with some form of cardiovascular disease.
Heart health is important all year round, but here are 10 ways to give it some special attention this month.
1- Whip up some love in the kitchen
Try some new recipes that encourage a heart-healthy diet like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, while minimizing saturated fats, sodium, and added sugars. Your taste buds and heart will thank you.
2- Give your heart a checkup
Regular check-ups are key for early detection of any potential heart issues. Connect with your healthcare provider to schedule the recommended tests to measure blood pressure, cholesterol, and other key heart health metrics. Then encourage your friends and family to book appointments too!
3- Be a heart hero
Cardiovascular emergencies can strike anywhere, anytime. Check your local community for training to equip yourself with life-saving first aid and CPR skills. You can also post instructions in your home or common areas, like break rooms at work!
4- Stress less
Constant stress has been linked to a wide variety of health problems including heart disease. Dedicate time each day to unwind and relax. Whether through walking, meditation, yoga, a bubble bath, or other hobbies, prioritize activities that reduce stress.
5- Pump up the fun
Get your heart pumping with regular physical activity. Aim for at least 20–30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per day. Researchers at Harvard Medical found that even walking as little as 5-½ miles per week reduced the risk of cardiovascular events by 31 percent in both men and women.
6- Listen to your heart
In the midst of a heart attack, many people don't seek help simply because they don't understand what they’re experiencing. Research and arm yourself with the knowledge of heart attack symptoms, remembering the symptoms vary between men and women.
7- Love your lifestyle
Lifestyle habits can have an immense impact on heart health. Activities like smoking, vaping and drinking alcohol elevate the potential for heart disease by increasing blood pressure and impairing other important functions.
8- Know your heart’s story
Your family's health history can offer valuable insights into your own cardiovascular risk factors. If you are genetically predisposed to developing heart disease, you should discuss it with your healthcare provider and implement helpful lifestyle changes to reduce risk.
9- Share some heart with others
Researchers have found that acts of generosity are actually good for your health. And there are so many ways to give! Make an effort to create positive change by helping to make someone else’s day a little better.
10- Take a heart-healthy supplement
If you struggle to get the recommended foods for a heart-healthy diet, it might be worth taking a dietary supplement to help support overall health.
Boost, Renew, and Support, are three of our impactful supplements full of heart-healthy ingredients & nutrients to keep your heart in top shape.
