February is American Heart Month
February is American Heart Month, a great time to focus on heart health. Heart disease is the #1 cause of death in the Rhode Island, but small steps can make a big difference.
Here’s how you can help this month:
1. Check the Basics:
- Blood Pressure: Make sure patients know their numbers.
- Cholesterol & Blood Sugar: Keep screenings up to date.
- Weight & BMI: Talk about healthy goals.
2. Talk Health Habits:
- Eating: Suggest heart-healthy foods like fruits, veggies, and whole grains.
- Exercise: Recommend 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week.
- Quit Smoking: Offer resources, such as Quit Works RI and Tobacco Free RI, to help patients quit.
3. Share Easy Resources:
- Hand out simple tips or direct patients to the American Heart Association website.
- Let them know about any local heart health events, like the Southern New England Heart Walk on June 7.
4. Don’t Forget Mental Health:
- Stress can affect the heart. Check in on how patients are feeling emotionally, too.
Thanks for helping keep our community’s hearts healthy this February!