President Joe Biden proclaimed the month of February as American Heart Month.

Heart disease claims the lives of over 650,000 Americans a year. All though preventable, with life style changes and proper health care it remains the leading cause of death in the United States. One in five deaths occur every year making it important to understand risk factors, and educate yourself and others on its impact.

Most families in America have one or more risk factors for heart disease. High cholesterol, being a smoker or using a vape, being over weight, and having high blood pressure are just a few contributing factors to heart disease.

This month supports more than 120 million individuals living with cardiovascular issues. It touches almost every single family in our nation.

Do you have a self care routine? What parts of your routine or daily life style help your heart?

Take time to examine your every day routine. Physical activity 30-45 minutes a day, having a healthy low sodium diet, sleeping 7-8 hours a night, quitting smoking, losing weight, and managing your stress and anger levels are examples to include in your daily rituals. Taking baby steps to keeping your heat healthy can make big changes in your over all health.

Please talk to your health care provider to learn more about your heart health. Be the beat of your heart and help protect it.