According to the CDC, approximately 610 thousand people in the United States die of heart disease every single year, and, for both men and women, it is the leading cause of death. Protecting your heart is incredibly important. February is American Heart Month, and to celebrate, our long-term care experts in Elk Horn have come up with this list of tips to help you keep your heart healthy.

#1. Stop Smoking
Smoking isn't just bad for your lungs, it's also bad for your heart. Did you know that smoking is one of the biggest causes of coronary heart disease? After you have quit for even a single year, your risk of getting a heart attack goes down by about half!

#2. Get Moving
Exercise is essential for keeping your heart healthy, but that doesn't mean that you have to start lifting weights or running marathons. Going on a brisk walk for a half an hour every day can reduce your heart attack risk by a third.

#3. Get Plenty of Sleep
Not only do healthy sleep habits keep you feeling energized and alert during the day, they can also help to protect your heart! One study found less calcium in the arteries of adults who get at least seven hours of sleep a night, and another found that people who get good quality sleep have healthier arteries. These are just a few of the many lifestyle changes you can make to protect your heart and keep it healthy. Learn more when you stay tuned for our next blog!