Strong hearts are a vital part of our wellbeing. With February being designated as Heart Health Month by the American Heart Association, it is important to shine a spotlight on it. Throughout this month, many people show their support by wearing red to raise awareness about heart disease and promote cardiovascular health. By wearing red, individuals not only honor those affected by heart conditions but also help bring attention to the importance of maintaining a healthy heart.
This year, EA is proud to join the movement with our campaign, “Strong Hearts, Empowered Lives.” This campaign isn’t just about wearing red or posting online (though we encourage that too!). It’s about spreading awareness of heart health challenges, offering practical advice, and emphasizing the importance of community and personalized care in maintaining strong hearts. Let’s dive into why Heart Health Month matters and how we’re making a difference.
Heart Health Matters: The Alarming Facts
Heart disease continues to be the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States, but its impact on women often goes underrecognized. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly one in five female deaths is due to heart disease. Despite these alarming statistics, many women don’t realize their risk until it’s too late.
Chest pain is a common symptom of heart health issues in men and women. The other signs of heart disease in women can be subtler than the classic chest pain and may even occur in absence of it. Things like fatigue, nausea, shortness of breath, and jaw pain can all be warning signs as well. These symptoms are frequently misunderstood, leading to delayed care and treatment. Furthermore, factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and obesity significantly increase the risk of heart disease, especially when combined with stress or smoking.
Heart health is not just a personal issue—it’s a community concern. By educating ourselves and others about the risks, symptoms, and prevention methods, we can save lives and empower individuals to take charge of their heart health.
Tips for Strong Hearts
Maintaining a healthy heart doesn’t require drastic changes—small, consistent habits can make a big difference over time. Here are some actionable tips to help keep your heart in top shape:
- Eat Heart-Healthy Foods: Incorporate more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins into your diet. Limit saturated fats, trans fats, sodium, and added sugars. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon, walnuts, and flaxseeds, are particularly beneficial.
- Stay Active: There is a strong fitness and heart health connection. Experts say that Aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week. Activities like brisk walking, cycling, swimming, and yoga can improve cardiovascular health.
- Quit Smoking: Smoking is one of the most significant risk factors for heart disease. Quitting smoking can reduce your risk and improve overall health almost immediately.
- Manage Stress: Chronic stress can take a toll on your heart. Practice relaxation techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, or deep breathing exercises.
- Monitor Your Health: Regularly check your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar levels. Early detection of issues can prevent long-term complications.
- Get Enough Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. Poor sleep is linked to high blood pressure, obesity, and other heart-related issues.
By incorporating these tips into your daily routine, you’re not only improving your heart health but also your overall quality of life.
How EA Therapeutic Health Supports Strong Hearts
At EA Therapeutic Health, we believe in holistic and personalized care that addresses the unique needs of each individual. Our services and programs are designed to empower you to live a heart-healthy life, with a focus on prevention, education, and long-term support. Here are specifics of what we offer:
- Neurological Rehabilitation: We take a neurologic-focused approach to physical therapy that helps clients with neurological conditions to move better and feel better. Being able to move around well is one of the keys to a strong heart.
- Exercise Programs: Regular physical activity is a cornerstone of heart health. Our team offers customized fitness plans, group classes, and one-on-one training sessions to keep you moving and motivated.
- Health Coaching: Expert staff at EA work with physical therapists and other specialists to provide support for each client as they progress on their journeys to better health. This ensures that improvement in health continues to happen long after insurance for physical therapy sessions, run out.
With EA Therapeutic Health by your side, you’re not just managing your heart health—you’re thriving with a stronger, more empowered life.
Get Involved: Community and Social Media Engagement
Heart Health Month is the perfect time to come together as a community and take collective action. Here are some ways you can get involved and make a difference:
- Join Local Events: Many communities host heart health walks, fitness challenges, and educational seminars during February. Participating in these events is a great way to show your support and connect with others who share the same goals.
- Share Your Journey: Use your voice to inspire others by sharing your heart health story on social media. Whether it’s a photo of your healthy meal, a snapshot of your fitness routine, or a personal reflection, your story can motivate others to prioritize their heart health.
- Use Our Hashtags: Join EA Therapeutic Health’s social media campaign by using hashtags like #StrongHeartsEmpoweredLives, #HeartHealthMonth, and #GoRedForHeartHealth in your posts. Let’s create a ripple effect of awareness and inspiration!
- Wear Red: A simple yet powerful way to show solidarity is by wearing red during February. Share your red outfits on social media and encourage your friends and family to do the same.
- Support Heart Health Causes: Consider donating to organizations focused on heart health research and education. Every contribution, big or small, helps pave the way for a healthier future.
In Conclusion
Heart Health Month is more than just a campaign—it’s a call to action. By focusing on awareness, prevention, and community engagement, we can make a lasting impact on heart health for ourselves and those around us. At EA Therapeutic Health, we’re honored to play a part in this journey and invite you to join us in going red!
Let’s take February as an opportunity to prioritize having strong hearts, spreading awareness, and inspiring change. Go check out our website to see all that we have to offer to keep you healthy and contact us to get started! Also, go see our social media pages and join the community of people trying to feel well and live well.