Did you know that heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States?

As the nation observes February as American Heart Month, the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute is encouraging children and adults alike to live a heart-healthy life by making necessary lifestyle changes, one step at a time.

“Taking care of your heart is essential for your health,” said Dr. Mike McMullan, a cardiologist and director of the Division of Cardiovascular Diseases at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. “You are only as healthy as your heart is, and it is up to you to take good care of it.”

Here’s how to start:

1. Move! Get at least two and a half hours of physical activity each week. Be active with a friend or family member by taking regular walks, participating in an exercise class or even shooting some hoops.
2. Eat healthy foods low in sodium and saturated fats. Focus on veggies, fruits and whole grains, fish, poultry, beans, nuts, vegetable oils and fat-free or low-fat dairy. Limit sugar and other sweeteners, and shun the all-you-can-eat restaurants and frequent fast food.
3. Quit smoking. Set a quit date and let those close to you give you support. Find free resources at smokefree.gov.
4. Aim for a healthy weight, reduce stress and improve sleep. Being overweight is hard on your heart, and high stress and sleep deprivation can contribute to high blood pressure and heart disease.

“Developing a heart-healthy lifestyle and working with your health care provider to know and manage your numbers will go a long way to giving you a satisfying and productive life,” McMullan said. “Your heart, your body, and your family and friends will thank you for it!”

It’s critical to be mindful of any changes in your heart health, McMullan added. If you are experiencing issues with your heart, you may need to go to an emergency room for prompt evaluation or may need to follow up with your primary care provider.

For non-heart related minor medical issues, help is waiting right on your smart phone. The C Spire Health app gives you access to everyday urgent care, non-emergency visits with a UMMC provider. Appointments are available from 7 a.m.-9 p.m. weekdays and 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays. You’ll be referred to a higher level of care if needed.

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