February is heart health month!

February is not only a time for celebrating Valentine’s Day but it’s also American Heart Month, a time when all people can focus on their cardiovascular health and raise their awareness about heart disease.

President Lyndon B. Johnson – who suffered a heart attack himself – issued the first proclamation in 1964. Since then, U.S. presidents have annually declared February American Heart Month.

Heart disease is still the main source of death in the United States. In fact, cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in the world, according to the American Heart Association. Sadly, many of these deaths would have been preventable with proper preventative care.

Taking care of your health has never been more important and thankfully there are many ways you can reduce your risk for developing heart disease. Being physically active, eating healthier foods, getting enough sleep, not smoking, and finding healthy ways to reduce stress can help prevent heart disease.

The fitness staff at The Duke Faculty Club is ready to help you start a healthy heart program or continue to improve upon what you are already doing physically to live a healthier, happier life.

Here are some quick tips to get you started!

Image