February – Heart Awareness Month
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in both men and women. Every year, 1 in 4 people die of heart disease.
The thing is, some heart disease can be prevented, simply by making healthier choices. I’ll be the first to admit that I never thought about my heart health, until I had to. Can I really do damage to it by what I do? I always thought heart disease was for those who lived extremely unhealthy lifestyles. But let me be the first to tell you, it can happen to anyone. And I never thought that “anyone” would be me.
When I was in cardiac rehab, I became a little more educated on what it takes to have a healthier heart. Am I perfect in what I do? No, but I’m also a girl who believes in all things in moderation. Have I completely cut out saturated fat? No. Do I floss every single day? Nope. Should I? Maybe! Do I always eat nutritious foods? Nopers. I like the occasional side of fries. I like cake. Do I eat them everyday? No. All things in moderation.
What it comes down to is #10 on the list below – take it one step at a time. Lasting changes don’t happen over night. And even someone WITH heart disease, hasn’t been able to make lasting changes overnight either. It’s just becoming aware of how you live your life and how you can make better choices here and there, that can make a difference – a lasting difference.
10 ways to take care of your heart:
- Be physically active
- Be smoke free
- Watch cholesterol
- Watch blood pressure
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Eat nutritious foods
- Take care of your mind
- Have good dental hygiene
- Get enough sleep
- Take it one step at a time
Another key aspect is my faith. In taking care of my mind, my body, my heart, etc., I am valuing who I am in Christ. A daughter of the King. Someone He values and therefore I should value too. My body, my mind, my soul. Do I live and care for them in a way that honors him?
This month, even if you typically don’t think much about your heart, take a little bit of time to reflect on how you care for it. You’ve been given one heart. One chance. Make the most of it!
