February is National Heart Month: tips to protect your heart

(2-minute read)

February is National Heart Month, a time to focus on habits that help prevent heart disease and support long-term cardiovascular health. Local public health partners are encouraging residents to take small, consistent steps that can make a big difference.

Key heart health tips

• Stay Active

  • Aim for about 170 minutes of physical activity per week

  • Regular exercise helps strengthen the heart and improve circulation

• Eat healthy

  • Target 5 servings of fruit and vegetables per day

  • Cut back on processed foods and excess sodium

• Get regular checkups

  • Monitor blood pressure, cholesterol, and other key health indicators

  • Routine screenings help catch issues early

• Avoid smoking

  • Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke exposure

  • Smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease

For more guidance on heart health, residents can review resources from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Flyer by the Town of Reading.