February is American Heart Month, a perfect time to show your heart some love! Your heart works tirelessly, beating around 100,000 times every day. By making small changes in diet, exercise, and self-care, you can significantly improve your heart’s health over time. 

Here are some simple tips to help maintain and improve cardiovascular health, which can lower your risk of heart disease, stroke, and other serious health issues: 

• Quit Tobacco: Smoking is the leading causes of preventable death in the U.S., including around one-third of all heart disease-related deaths. Let Tobacco Free Florida support you in quitting your way. 

• Get Active: Adults should aim for 2.5 hours of moderate or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise each week. Kids should get 60 minutes of physical activity every day. Walking is an easy way to get started, and Pinellas County has a great network of trails to help you get moving. 

• Eat Healthier: Focus on whole foods, including fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, nuts, seeds, and non-tropical oils like olive or canola oil. Healthy eating is essential for overall well-being. 

• Sleep Well: Adults need 7-9 hours of sleep each night, while children need more. Ages 5 and under should get 10-16 hours, including naps; ages 6-12 need 9-12 hours; and teens need 8-10 hours. Quality sleep helps with healing, brain function, and reduces the risk of chronic diseases. 

• Maintain a Healthy Weight: Staying at a healthy weight reduces strain on your heart. Florida’s Healthiest Weight program offers great tips for reaching and maintaining your ideal weight. 

• Control Cholesterol: High levels of non-HDL cholesterol can lead to heart disease. Learn how to manage your cholesterol to protect your heart. 

• Manage Blood Sugar: Food turns into glucose (blood sugar) that our bodies use for energy. Over time, high blood sugar can damage your heart. Managing your blood sugar levels can help prevent certain types of diabetes. 

• Monitor Blood Pressure: Healthy blood pressure is important for heart health. High blood pressure often has no symptoms, so it’s important to monitor it regularly. Left unchecked, it can lead to heart attacks and other issues. 

It's always a good idea to check in with your doctor or healthcare provider to monitor your heart health and make changes early. Small changes now can have a big impact on your health in the long run.