It’s the time of year that brings thoughts of hearts and roses!

But February isn’t just for Valentine’s Day; it’s also American Heart Month. Now’s the perfect time to commit to your heart health.

Before the coronavirus, heart disease was the leading cause of death in the United States for men and women. And heart disease doesn’t just affect older adults. More and more younger adults are developing conditions that can lead to heart disease.

But don’t lose heart! You can take several steps now to lower your risk and improve your overall health and well-being.

• Leave yourself a little breathless with some physical activity! Not only will it help you maintain a healthier weight — it can also help lower blood pressure and cholesterol. The American Heart Association recommends aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise each week. Need a little motivation to move? Try to make walking dates with friends, join a virtual fitness class or dance the night away in your living room.
• Make your heart happy by adopting new eating habits! Ditch the sodium and saturated fat found in processed foods and opt for more whole foods like fruits and vegetables, nuts, beans, whole grains, fish and poultry. And don’t worry; healthier eating doesn’t have to be boring. Try Aprons Heart Smart recipes. Your taste buds will thank you.
• Stop the stress! While studies haven’t determined if stress directly impacts heart health, we know stress can lead to increased blood pressure, higher cholesterol levels, overeating, smoking, drinking too much and inactivity. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, be sure to make time for self-care activities like working out, yoga, getting outdoors, reading or meditation. BCBS PPO Plan members also can access mental health services through Amwell Telehealth.
• Hit the hay! Quality sleep isn’t just for boosting your mood; it’s also essential for a healthier heart. Aim to get at least 7 hours of sleep each day to reduce your risk of health problems. Need help catching those zzz’s? To improve your sleep, try to maintain a regular sleep schedule, turn off screens at least 30 minutes before going to bed, or relax by reading a book or taking a bath.
• Just say “no” to smoking! When we think of the negative impacts of smoking, we usually think of lung disease. But smoking can also damage your heart’s function and increase your chance of plaque buildup leading to a higher risk of developing heart disease. The good news is that these effects start to decline soon after quitting and keep decreasing over time. The even better news is that we have resources to help you quit. Visit the Tobacco Cessation Resources to find the tools you need.