Every February, the YMCA recognizes American Heart Health Month—a time to raise awareness about heart disease and healthy living.
Summer Cruff, Vice President of Healthy Living at the YMCA of the Suncoast shares, “Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, claiming over 702,000 lives each year. To raise awareness of this alarming statistic, our YMCA branches host a Heart Health Challenge.”
She adds, “This year, we have roughly 2,800 members participating in the challenge by moving their bodies and getting regular exercise at their local branch! This challenge is great for our members because it gets people active and consistent in their exercise routines at the beginning of the year. We want to keep those healthy habits going and motivation high!”
In addition to our Heart Health Challenge and Summer's encouragement to prioritize heart health year-round, here are five impactful tips that can make a significant difference in your long-term well-being.
1. Prioritize a Heart-Healthy Diet: What you eat plays a vital role in your heart’s health. A well-balanced diet can significantly reduce your risk of heart disease.
2. Get Moving with Regular Exercise: Physical activity is one of the best ways to keep your heart healthy. It helps lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels and maintain a healthy weight. Your local Y has numerous activities and classes to get your body moving!
3. Maintain a Healthy Weight: Carrying excess weight can put added stress on your heart and increase your risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol and type 2 diabetes. Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight can significantly reduce your risk of heart disease. Reach out to your Y’s wellness director to learn more about our weight loss programs.
4. Manage Stress Effectively: Chronic stress can contribute to heart disease by increasing blood pressure, raising cholesterol levels and triggering unhealthy behaviors such as overeating or smoking. Finding effective ways to manage stress is crucial for a healthy heart. Consider incorporating meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga, fresh air and quality sleep into your daily schedule.
Published Thursday, February 27, 2025.