National Heart Health Awareness Month

February is National Heart Health Awareness Month. Did you know that heart disease is the #1 killer of women in the United States? That’s the bad news.

The good news is, there are things you can do to change that for yourself. Among those things are eating healthy, getting adequate physical exercise, and getting enough zzzz’s.

I have found that healthy foods do not have to taste less appealing than junk food. In fact, exactly the opposite. And making healthy food doesn’t have to be as inconvenient or time-consuming as you may think. Again, exactly the opposite. The closer you can get to eating food as it comes from nature, without all of the additives–and, yes, without the sugar–the better. Simple = healthier.

Physical exercise, too, can be easy. When are you supposed to fit one more thing into your day, you may ask? Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Get in a few extra steps by parking further away from where you’re going instead of circling for a closer spot. Walk for your 15 minute break instead of scrolling social media. Keep a set of weights by your desk and get in some curls when you have a couple of minutes to spare–or even if you’re on the phone. It only takes one hand to hold the phone. Zero if you’re using a headset. Instead of sending Fido outside, standing by the door and watching to be sure he does his “thing,” take him for a walk around the block. It won’t take any additional time and you’ll both be happier and healthier.

As for sleep–as an adult I used to dream of getting sent to my room for a timeout so I could nap without feeling guilty! Now I’ve dumped the guilt and take that nap if I need it and get to bed at a reasonable hour. And I’m all the more productive for it.

So turn off your computer–yes, stop reading this blog now–and get in some steps. While you’re at it, have a snack–a healthy one–and, heck, maybe just 30 minutes of rest. You’ll be happy you did. And your heart will thank you.