Heart disease is something we often overlook if we aren’t directly affected, but the stats of this disease are staggering. Heart disease is the number one cause of death among men and women in the United States.
While this is a scary statistic, no need to worry because heart disease is often preventable with healthy lifestyle choices.
February: Get Heart Healthy
There are plenty of things you can do to take care of your heart right now. If you implement these changes not only will you feel better, but your heart will thank you! No better time, than Heart Month!
How to honor American Heart Month for the rest of 2020:
Manage Your Stress
Stress is linked to heart disease because it raises your blood pressure. Stress can even be a “trigger” to heart attacks.
Positive ways to manage stress include healthy relationships, exercise, counseling or therapy, meditating, civic and social engagement, and listening to music, one of my favorite ways to de-stress. Huntsville has live music everywhere.
Sidetracks Music Hall, R&B Vibes Live, and Tangled Strings are just a few of my favorite places to #ListenLIVE. Find something you enjoy, that brings you happiness, then do it often.
Managing your stress is not only important for American Heart Month, but should be a priority always.
Stop Smoking
Cigarettes raise your blood pressure and puts you at a much higher risk for heart disease. There are several available options and resources to help you quit!
The CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) even provides free coaching over the phone to help you quit! 1-800-QUIT-NOW. Or connect with SmokeFree Huntsville for local assistance.
It’s never too late to Quit Smoking – love your heart and Stop Now!
Get plenty of Sleep
Lack of sleep can lead to high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity. These factors all increase your risk of heart disease and stroke.
The National Sleep Foundation (NSF), along with a multi-disciplinary expert panel, recommendations the appropriate amount of sleep for adults should be 7 – 9 hours every night.
Eat Nutritiously and Healthy
I know, I know, we hear this all the time, “You are what you eat” and the fact of the matter is that what we put in our bodies has a major effect on our heart health.
Try to eat a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and drink plenty of water. Keeping processed foods to a minimum will make your heart happier and healthier in the long run.
Huntsville has great farmers markets throughout the city and surrounding areas.
Check the Our Valley Events Farmers Market Page for more info and details about local markets. This is a great start to a healthy heart.
Read More: Eat Healthy in Huntsville
Stay active and exercise regularly
Being overweight or obese can increase your risk of heart disease. The American Heart Association recommends to get moving for at least 30 minutes per day.
You can even break up the 30 minutes into 10-minute blocks. From hiking trails, to skate parks, organizational walk/run events, and even a diverse variety of fitness facilities and gyms, Huntsville has no shortage of activities that will keep you moving and active.
Implementing an exercise program regularly and consistently staying active can greatly reduce your risk of heart disease. Connect to the Our Valley Events calendar for movement inspired activities and to keep your heart healthy all year long!
Healthy Huntsville Events
Parks, Greenways, and Trail Guide
Happy Heart Month!
Heart disease can definitely be scary and challenging, but following these suggestions can drastically improve your overall heart and health.
This February try to be conscious of your heart health and in return, your heart will be healthy for a long time!
Author: J’Que Ellis
Healthy Living Specialist. Personal Trainer. Gym Owner. Ambitious. Creative. Mother. Philanthropist. Committed. Leader. Passionate. Sister. Entrepreneur. Media Proprietor. Super Producer. Entertainer.
These are just a few words to describe the mogul, J’Que Ellis. J’Que is a fitness guru, brand enthusiast and healthy living influencer. She has over 23 years in the fitness and wellness industry, 10 years as a full-time entrepreneur/branding coach and is the Owner/CEO of several businesses. She is sought after by Fortune 500 companies and brands for her vision and leadership. J’Que stands to encourage others to live healthier and to be successful at living their dreams. Her daily operations include creating business products, publications, resource hubs, financial securities, and expanding her businesses globally. Some of her skills and expertise include:
Weight-loss & Fitness programming | Art, entertainment and fashion event planning | Business Branding and marketing | Business Start-up Consulting
Guest blogger for We Are Huntsville. Are you interested in writing a post for our site? Email katelyn@wearehuntsville.com.
Thank you so much for leaving such detailed tips! If I could truly manage or eliminate my stress I’d be rock’n! I’m going to apply the knowledge from your article so that I can help myself.
I have been a trainee of JQue Ellis for two years. She has assisted me with changing my life for the better- Spiritually, Emotionally, and Physically. She encourages to keep GOD first. She recommends regularly the importance of eating healthy (nutritional value). She has also transformed my physical body in which I have assets that I never thought I could have . She has truly been a blessing in my life. Thanks! Earline
This is amazing and very insightful information. I want to thank you for taking our time to do the research and gain the knowledge to be able to help people deal with this issue. Thank you!!!
This is amazing and very insightful information. I want to thank you for taking out time to do the research and gain the knowledge to be able to help people deal with this issue. Thank you!!!