National Heart Month

Did you know that the number one cause of death in the United States is cardiovascular disease and NOT cancer or diabetes??

In fact, 1 in 4 Americans (1 in 3 women!) will die from heart disease in some form, whether that be through a stroke, heart attack or even high blood pressure.

Heart health is extremely important and unfortunately, it has taken the back burner to other disease. The good news is that a healthy heart is very much related to your lifestyle choices, especially your diet, so you are in control.

The Month to Celebrate Our Hearts: February

While each month that comes along celebrates a special holiday, such as February and Valentine’s Day, we tend to think in terms of food(sugar) and beautiful flowers to celebrate it. But when we take a look back at the origins of this holiday, we find it was first celebrated in February 1964 when President Lyndon B. Johnson dedicated the month to raise awareness about cardiovascular health after learning of the alarming statistics. 85% of Americans are currently living with cardiovascular diseases in some form. Approximately 29% of adults in the U.S. have high blood pressure. That is about 75 million people! The good news is that heart disease can be reversed and prevented with lifestyle choices and preventative measures.

Your Diet Is So Important To Your Heart Health

One of the best ways to eat ‘heart healthy’ is to follow a whole food, plant-based diet. The research is in and many people can attest to a plant based diet saving them from near fatal heart disease. All you have to do is examine people from different cultures around the world who enjoy a primarily plant-based lifestyle and you will see that cardiovascular disease in those populations is virtually non-existent.

So, pack your diet filled with fruits and berries, a variety of beans, green vegetables like spinach or kale, as well as whole grains and seeds, and you will go a long way towards protecting your heart.

Diet is important but so is regular physical activity. Being physically active 3-5 times

a week is also important. Begin by just walking for 20 minutes and gradually build

on to your time.

Last but not least, relax. We live in a hectic world that keeps us running 24/7! Our

rest is much needed as well. Opt for 7 to 8 hours a nite for sleep. A midday

meditation session can also improve heart health.

Happy, healthy Valentine’s Day to you all!