Happy Heart Month!
Ellie Wilson, MS, RDN, CDN, FAND
Manager, Lifestyles and Wellness
February is American Heart Month, and we would love to help you 🥰 your ❤️! Like the steady beat of our own hearts, steady routines and practices that naturally support overall health can go a long way toward keeping your one and only happy and healthy! Check out some of these smart moves!
- Know your family health history and get annual checkups. February is the perfect time to schedule your annual physical. Most insurance companies offer full coverage for that preventive visit. Create a personal plan with your healthcare provider that focuses on what you need to do to stay well.
- Check your health insurance for options like gym membership incentives, over-the-counter health products or healthy food shopping. Make sure you know what they are offering and take advantage of it!
- Eat Smart for Your Heart – three moves to make:
- Eat more fruits and vegetables. Best practices include enjoying more fresh, frozen and canned, no sodium added produce items. A quick way to put that into action is to double up servings of your favorite choices at each meal. More seafood, especially items that have some omega-3 fats like salmon or canned tuna should be on your plate twice per week.
- Eat more seafood. Research shows us that most people enjoy seafood but often reserve it for eating out or special occasions. We think you’re special at least twice each week! So does the American Heart Association and heart care supporters like registered dietitian-nutritionists, nurses, and professional trainers. Check out your PCM32 store – our savvy Seafood Teammates can show you some wonderful fresh seafood meals and options that are quick and delicious!
- Enjoy small servings of whole grains. Whole grains contain critical vitamins and nutrients for heart health. Research has shown skipping whole grains may negatively impact heart health and length of life! Whole wheat, oatmeal, quinoa – give them all a place on your plate 4 or 5 times per week!
- Keep moving! Whether you’re 8 or 80, keeping active is key to a happy heart. Walk whenever you can and find some fun activities you enjoy on a regular basis. Bonus – staying active helps all of your body systems stay well, particularly your blood pressure!
- Stress less. If you notice you are struggling with stress, check your health insurance for supportive resources or coverage for assistance like a therapist. We all have challenging times, the sooner you get some support, the better you will feel.
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