North Tidewater News

February is American Heart Month, a time to focus on heart health and raise awareness about the risks and prevention of heart disease. According to the Virginia Department of Health (VDH), heart disease is the leading cause of death in Virginia. In an effort to combat this statistic, VDH and its partners are encouraging individuals to make simple changes to their daily routines to reduce the risk of heart disease.

One of the key recommendations is to choose healthy meals and snacks. It is important to incorporate plenty of fruits and vegetables into your diet and opt for foods that are lower in sodium and saturated fat. The U.S. Department of Agriculture offers helpful resources, such as heart-healthy recipes and the MyPlate guidelines, to assist individuals in making nutritious food choices.

In addition to a healthy diet, regular physical activity is crucial for maintaining heart health. Adults should aim for at least 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week. This can include activities such as brisk walking, running, or cycling. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provide further guidance on how to incorporate physical activity into your daily routine.

Another important step in reducing the risk of heart disease is to quit smoking. Quit Now Virginia is a valuable resource that offers free counseling services and support to those looking to quit smoking. By contacting Quit Now Virginia, individuals can access telephone or web-based counseling, as well as Text2Quit support and self-help materials. Quitting smoking is a significant step towards improving heart health.

Regular monitoring of blood pressure is also essential in preventing and managing heart disease. VDH recommends individuals to regularly check their blood pressure and offers helpful tips for discussing blood pressure with a healthcare provider. By staying informed and proactive about blood pressure management, individuals can take control of their heart health.

To further address the issue of heart disease, VDH has received two multi-million-dollar grants from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These grants, named the CDC National Cardiovascular Health Program and the Innovative Cardiovascular Health Program, will establish the Virginia Cardiovascular Health Program. This program will unite state and local partners to implement evidence-based strategies aimed at improving blood pressure control, reducing disparities in cardiovascular disease, and connecting high-risk communities to essential clinical and social services.

American Heart Month serves as a reminder of the importance of heart health and the steps individuals can take to reduce the risk of heart disease. By making small changes to our daily routines, such as choosing healthier meals, engaging in regular physical activity, quitting smoking, and monitoring blood pressure, we can make significant strides towards a healthier heart. For more information on the Virginia Cardiovascular Health Program, visit the Virginia Department of Health's website.