February is American Heart Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about cardiovascular health and the steps we can take to protect it. For employers, this is an opportunity to reinforce the importance of whole-person health with your employees. When employees prioritize their well-being, including heart health, they bring more energy, focus, productivity, and resilience to the workplace.
Small lifestyle changes can make a big impact—here are seven essential actions you can share with employees to help them keep their hearts strong and healthy.
1. Understand your heart health numbers
Schedule regular check-ups with your physician to monitor blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and BMI to stay on track with preventive care.
2. Increase physical activity
Aerobic exercises like running, biking, and swimming improve circulation, lower blood pressure, and strengthen the heart. Even 10 minutes a day can make a difference.
3. Eat a healthy diet
Support heart health with a blend of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats to give your body the nutrients you need to keep your heart strong.
4. Get quality sleep
Good sleep helps repair the heart and blood vessels while lowering the risk of chronic diseases. Prioritize a consistent sleep schedule and healthy bedtime habits.
5. Maintain a healthy weight
Keeping a healthy weight and BMI reduces strain on the heart and lowers the risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.
6. Reduce Stress
Practice deep breathing, meditation, physical activity, or enjoyable hobbies to combat stress and lower blood pressure, inflammation, and other heart disease risks.
7. Stop smoking
Smoking and vaping damage blood vessels, increase blood pressure, and raise the risk of heart attack and other heart diseases. Quitting improves heart health at any stage.
