Happy hearts

There’s more than one reason to think about your heart this month: Aside from Valentine’s Day on the 14th, February is American Heart Month. It’s a reminder to assess your health and make heart disease prevention a priority. Even small steps can make a huge difference. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends:

• Visit your doctor: Schedule regular check-ups to set goals and monitor heart health.

• Exercise: If it’s not already a routine, start small and work up to 30 minutes a day, three times each week. Even regular walks through the park will help.

• Quit smoking: Cutting smoking can drastically lower your risk for heart disease.

• Cut salt: When cooking, lower your sodium intake by replacing salt with herbs and spices.

• Don’t drink your calories: Replace sugary sodas and soft drinks with water.