February is American Heart Month, but any month is a good time to focus on everyday habits that support heart health and overall well-being. It’s important to maintain your heart health to lower the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other health diseases. The American Heart Association describes 8 essential lifestyle factors, opens a new window that can affect your heart and provide a great starting point to take control over your health journey.
Here’s how to use your library resources to explore and build these healthy habits in ways that fit your daily routine.
Eat Well
With your library card, explore new recipes and cooking tips that support balanced eating at home. Check out American Heart Association cookbooks for heart healthy recipes.
The Everyday DASH Diet Cookbook, opens a new window
American Heart Association Healthy Slow Cooker Cookbook, opens a new window
Be Active
Adults are generally encouraged to aim for 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity (walking, dancing, gardening) or 75 minutes of vigorous activity (running, swimming, jumping rope) a week. Activities can be broken down into small chunks, incorporating movement into your everyday routine. Check out some current magazines and books to help you learn about different types of movement and how to stay active in ways that are enjoyable.
The Easy Way to Enjoy Exercise, opens a new window
The Joy of Movement, opens a new window
Get Healthy Sleep
Sleep routines and winding down can help make a difference in how you feel day to day. It is often encouraged that adults aim for 7-9 hours of sleep. Incorporating 20-30 minutes of winding down before bed (reading, meditating, or other calming activities) can contribute to your nighttime routine. Discover some educational books about sleep and healthy habits.
Sleep Groove, opens a new window
Sleep Drink Breathe, opens a new window
Managing Blood Pressure
Stress management is an important part of overall wellness and heart health. Participating in hobbies that are meaningful and relaxing to you can help reduce stress and help improve overall well-being. Check out our classes, opens a new window and makerspace kits, opens a new window to discover a hobby that brings enjoyment to your routine.
100 QUESTIONS & ANSWERS ABOUT HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE FOR DUMMIES, opens a new window
Library programs and tools are for educational purposes only and are not intended to replace medical advice. Guests are encouraged to consult healthcare professionals with individual concerns.
Add a comment to: Taking Charge of Your Heart Health