American Heart Month
Join the American Heart Association and the Park Church Women’s Ministry as we begin the New Year with a heart-healthier you!
It takes 21 days to create a new healthy habit. So, for the next 21 days we’ll start each morning with an easy activity to help get your year off to a heart-healthy start. As your ally in good health, we’ll be with you each step of the way!
Download the complete schedule for activities and resources
In the United States, heart disease causes 1 out of every 4 deaths.
In addition to being the leading cause of death in America, cardiovascular disease also creates higher risks in other medical conditions such as obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and even COVID-19. It’s important that individuals understand the common risk factors for heart disease. Your lifestyle can significantly increase your risk for heart disease. Things such as:
- Eating a diet high in saturated fats, trans fat, and cholesterol is linked to atherosclerosis.
- Too much salt (sodium) in the diet can raise blood pressure.
- Not getting enough physical activity increase the chances of developing other medical conditions.
- Tobacco use increases the risk for heart attack.
About half of all Americans (47%) have at least 1 of these key risk factors.
Read Go Red for Women’s “The Facts about Women and Heart Disease” article for more health insights.
Hourly Schedule
Week 1
- Feb. 1
- Moving (even just a little) improves your heart health. Moving more and sitting less is a great start.
- Feb. 2
- Have you ever felt hangry (hungry + angry)? Food and mood have an effect on one another.
- Feb. 3
- Forget fad diets. Remember, it's the overall pattern of your choices that counts. Learn more about what that means.
- Feb. 4
- Walking as little as 15 minutes a day can lower your chances of heart disease.
- Feb. 5
- Catching up on some sleep this weekend? Gratitude could actually help you snooze more or better.
- Feb. 6
- Looking for a simple way to eat healthy? Check out these serving sizes to get the right balance of nutrition on your plate.
- Feb. 7
- Try a twist on a traditional side dish with these 6 delicious ingredients.
Week 2
- Feb. 8
- Got 10 minutes? Boost your heart rate and brain power with this quick home workout.
- Feb. 9
- Get crackin with some healthy snackin!
- Feb. 10
- Having trouble finding energy for your workout? We feel you! Try these tips to keep your energy going strong so you can Move More.
- Feb. 11
- Practicing mindfulness and meditation may help you manage stress, high blood pressure, sleep better, and even lower your risk of heart disease. Learn how.
- Feb. 12
- Treat yourself with a delicious breakfast or snack by subbing this extra creamy smoothie for that sugary latte.
- Feb. 13
- If you’re feeling overwhelmed, try these ways to notch down your stress.
- Feb. 14
- Old habits can be hard to break, and new habits hard to make, but with these 6 basic steps you can develop new, healthy behaviors that stick.
Week 3
- Feb. 15
- How much sleep do we really need?
- Feb. 16
- What if you could work out while you work, without having to carve out a big chunk of time? You can!
- Feb. 17
- Want the taste of fried chicken without the extra saturated fat and calories? Try our healthier take on this classic American favorite.
- Feb. 18
- Try these tips for being active with your pet!
- Feb. 19
- Exercise boosts your immunity during cold and flu season. Rake leaves, shovel snow or just take a walk. Learn more.
- Feb. 20
- Short on time? These pantry staple ingredients make a quick healthy meal and are easy on the budget.
- Feb. 21
- Keeping a log of your physical activity can help you monitor your progress and celebrate your successes.
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