Heart Disease Awareness Month

Each February, Heart Disease Awareness Month is observed to raise awareness about heart disease, the leading cause of death worldwide. Along with promoting awareness of this largely preventable disease, it shows people how to take steps to protect their heart health. It also seeks to make awareness of how the disease disproportionally targets certain communities. 

During the month, the National Heart, Blood and Lung Institute (NHBLI) encourages Americans to take the steps to adopt healthy lifestyle habits to prevent heart disease. These steps do not only improve heart health but help to prevent or alleviate the impact of other conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure. NHBLI says the practice of heart health care can keep our hearts’ healthy. 

One of the first steps is to get more exercise as experts warn inactive people are almost twice as likely to develop heart disease than active people. For the most benefit, they recommend aiming for at least 150 minutes each week. They also say it doesn’t matter how you split the time up. You can do 10-minute segments 3x a day for five days a week or whatever else works for you. The important thing is to get moving.  

Other steps to heart health are learning to follow a healthy diet, getting enough sleep and not smoking. Setting up an appointment with your healthcare provider for an overall physical can provide essential information regarding your blood pressure, cholesterol, weight and blood sugar levels. Something else you can do to care for your heart health is to manage and/or reduce stress. Using all of this information can guide you to make better decisions regarding your own heart health and that of your family’s. 

At the MorningStar of Littleton senior living community, we provide residents a healthy, vibrant lifestyle for carefree retirement years. Our assisted living Littleton offers 65 fashionable suites in a choice of studio and one-and-two-bedroom floorplans. MorningStar’s Executive Chef creates meals with flavor profiles that stimulate the senses and boost energy, and feature the freshest ingredients from high-quality producers, often locally sourced (sometimes from our own resident gardens). Reflections Neighborhood offers trusted Alzheimer’s care designed to enhance quality of life and respect residents’ dignity. Contact us to set up a personalized tour of the most desirable senior living Littleton, CO. families rely on.