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Heart Health Month

elseepe

elseepe

I'll follow the sun
Pollywog
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In the US, Feb has been subbed Heart Health Month (since 1964). To celebrate, wear Red on the first Friday in February (that’s coming up) Some key healthy habits:
  • Monitor Blood Pressure: Use tools to track and manage hypertension.
  • Get Active: Aim for at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week.
  • Eat Well: Focus on heart-healthy diets.
  • Quit Smoking: Avoid smoking to protect heart health.
  • Reduce Stress: Incorporate self-care into daily routines.
So, have you ever participated in a specific Heart Health Event?
Will you wear red this coming Friday?
Are there any habits you have as part of your routine, or that you will adopt?
 
So, have you ever participated in a specific Heart Health Event?
I have not ever done so.

Will you wear red this coming Friday?
Maybe, if I can find a red shirt in my closet. (It’s not my best color)

Are there any habits you have as part of your routine, or that you will adopt?
I do routinely exercise for upwards of 150 minutes each week. I also have cleaned up my diet over the last 8 months or so, and I love making sure that I take a few moments each day to reflect with my coffee.
 
So, have you ever participated in a specific Heart Health Event? Back in the 60's, the American Heart Association had a door to door fundraising in communities on a specific day. Each community had many individuals that would canvas their neighborhoods for donations. There were several individuals in the community where the neighborhood canvassers would drop off their collections at the end of the day. My grandfather was one of the drop off locations. My parents and I would go to his house and help with the counting of the monies and recording the information.

Will you wear red this coming Friday? I suppose I could. I have a lot of it in my wardrobe due to being an OSU Buckeye fan.

Are there any habits you have as part of your routine, or that you will adopt? I have to monitor my blood pressure routinely due to the 3 heart surgeries I had in late 2023/early 2024. All is well. I do see my cardiologist twice a year now instead of the annual visit that I was doing from 2007 to 2023. Heart issues run in my father's family. My father had a bad valve which is what I ended up having as well. Both of his parents died of heart issues as have several of his siblings. Some of my cousins also have heart issues or have passed away from heart attacks.

I have never smoked so that was not an issue for me. I have changed my diet although not because of heart but because of GERD. So some of the unhealthy things (like pop and chocolate) are no longer in my diet. The biggest change for me though was when I retired in 2017. Stress went away completely! At this time I am unable to exercise but I do try to at leave move and not sit all day long. Checking out why the dog is barking gets me up quite often!
 
@HavaDrPepper I forgot about those door to door campaigns, I think they must have continued into the 70's. I'm glad you are taking care of yourself, recognizing the importance with your family history. And yes, retirement is awesome for stress relief!!!!
 
So, have you ever participated in a specific Heart Health Event? no

Will you wear red this coming Friday? It would be an easy thing for me b/c I tend to wear a lot of red/pink.

Are there any habits you have as part of your routine, or that you will adopt? I started swimming a few months ago, I go twice a week. I also get out walking every day with the dogs.
 
So, have you ever participated in a specific Heart Health Event?
Not that I can recall

Will you wear red this coming Friday?
If I remember! I have one red t-shirt I like to wear so I’ll save it for Friday this week.

Are there any habits you have as part of your routine, or that you will adopt?
I lift weights, walk, and do yoga every day. I need to eat more veggies.
 
bcgal00 said:
So, have you ever participated in a specific Heart Health Event? no

Will you wear red this coming Friday? It would be an easy thing for me b/c I tend to wear a lot of red/pink.

Are there any habits you have as part of your routine, or that you will adopt? I started swimming a few months ago, I go twice a week. I also get out walking every day with the dogs.
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I hear that dogs are really good for motivating that daily walk. I love the idea of swimming, but I don't really like the chlorine levels in the public pools, or what it feels like when you get out of the pool this time of year. :D
 
umyesh said:
So, have you ever participated in a specific Heart Health Event?
Not that I can recall

Will you wear red this coming Friday?
If I remember! I have one red t-shirt I like to wear so I’ll save it for Friday this week.

Are there any habits you have as part of your routine, or that you will adopt?
I lift weights, walk, and do yoga every day. I need to eat more veggies.
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I just finished up a sweet yoga, trying to maintain some semblance of regular exercise since I've been unable to get to Y the last 2 weeks. I need to eat more veggies too; I keep trying, but find that I still feel like I'm coming up short.
 
So, have you ever participated in a specific Heart Health Event? I think I did at school when I was a kid.

Will you wear red this coming Friday? No, but only because I don't have anything red anymore. Lol.

Are there any habits you have as part of your routine, or that you will adopt? I walk with a friend a couple times a week. It used to be three times a week, but it's so hard to fit that in, and make dinner and do all the after work activities. My hubby and I have been trying to do some more activity at home on our treadmill and spinning bike.
 
Karen said:
So, have you ever participated in a specific Heart Health Event? I think I did at school when I was a kid.

Will you wear red this coming Friday? No, but only because I don't have anything red anymore. Lol.

Are there any habits you have as part of your routine, or that you will adopt? I walk with a friend a couple times a week. It used to be three times a week, but it's so hard to fit that in, and make dinner and do all the after work activities. My hubby and I have been trying to do some more activity at home on our treadmill and spinning bike.
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What happened to all that time you thought you'd get with that empty nest, huh?
 
elseepe said:
I hear that dogs are really good for motivating that daily walk. I love the idea of swimming, but I don't really like the chlorine levels in the public pools, or what it feels like when you get out of the pool this time of year. :D
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Depends on the breed of dog! My dog is a couch potato as were my other 2 Havanese. Don't get me wrong, they liked to take walks but if we didn't they didn't hound me until I did. I have a friend that has a dog that pretty much demands a walk every single day. So even in the freezing temps last week, she took him for a 1 mile walk.

My walks will start when it hits 50F which will be a couple of months.
 
HavaDrPepper said:
Depends on the breed of dog! My dog is a couch potato as were my other 2 Havanese. Don't get me wrong, they liked to take walks but if we didn't they didn't hound me until I did. I have a friend that has a dog that pretty much demands a walk every single day. So even in the freezing temps last week, she took him for a 1 mile walk.

My walks will start when it hits 50F which will be a couple of months.
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I'm glad she can accommodate her dog. I feel for those I see walking their dogs (and the dogs) when we hit our summer temps here in Arizona. I'm not a fan of cold, even 50 is a bit chilly for me.
 
elseepe said:
I'm glad she can accommodate her dog. I feel for those I see walking their dogs (and the dogs) when we hit our summer temps here in Arizona. I'm not a fan of cold, even 50 is a bit chilly for me.
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She is one that likes to hike no matter what the weather. She takes her dog with her on many of her hikes so a 1 mile walk in the cold temps was not a big deal for her. More power to her. I hibernate when it is cold. I also start coughing when I'm out in cold weather. My mailbox is at the end of the driveway so I only checked it a couple times during the really cold temps. And, I wore a mask when I did. Also wore a mask when I had to go to the pharmacy and grocery last week when it was 15F. I would probably be much happier in a different state but when it comes down to it, I love my house and my town. I love having 4 seasons even though I really hate one of the 4!
 
Maybe this will be my motivation to adopt some new healthy habits. I haven't ever participated in anything like this. I don't have any red in my wardrobe right now, but not a big deal since I don't really leave the house. I eat a plant-based diet and do try to prioritize good nutrition, avoiding processed food as well. I get off track with that sometimes and start creeping back into convenience. It happens more often when I'm stressed. I do need to up my exercise and start focusing more on self-care though!
 
kelley said:
Maybe this will be my motivation to adopt some new healthy habits. I haven't ever participated in anything like this. I don't have any red in my wardrobe right now, but not a big deal since I don't really leave the house. I eat a plant-based diet and do try to prioritize good nutrition, avoiding processed food as well. I get off track with that sometimes and start creeping back into convenience. It happens more often when I'm stressed. I do need to up my exercise and start focusing more on self-care though!
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I've been doing really well with avoiding most processed foods (my main exception -- Sprouts brand ginger snaps, but generally not more than 2). I do find that a lot of plant-based substitutes are processed foods, so I've steered a bit clear of those. I am not 100% plant-based, but not a lot of meat in my diet; but I'm a fan of non-fat Greek yogurt, cheese too, but have been good about moderation there too. It's hard when times get stressful to make sure we have healthy, easy options. Good for you to work on focusing on your self-care! We need it!
 
I haven't bought a home blood pressure tracker, but my dad has suggested I do. Maybe someday. I have started going to the doctor since I've reached my 50's for well-checks (never regularly before that except for prenatal care), though still not quite annually, and my numbers are good.

I'm active. I walk and do yoga most days. My daily walking habit goes back to 2014 and I walk or hike from 1 to 6 miles depending on the season (more on Saturdays and during school breaks). Yoga I only just started doing frequently about 6 months ago. My job also has me walking back and forth across the school every half hour, picking up students and returning them to their classrooms.

Nutrition has been an interest of mine as long as I can remember, but I've only been fully plant-based and vegan for about 4 years now. It was a gradual shift so I don't have an anniversary date. If anyone wants some delicious plant based recipes, my favorite vegan chef is Rainbow Plant Life.

Never smoked and largely avoided second hand smoke as well since it was banned in California public places in my teens. My parents didn't smoke either.

Pretty good at reducing stress. Journaling, coloring, scrapbooking, walks, talking things out with people I'm close to, . . .

I can't remember if I've celebrated Heart Health Month before but I when I read this I recalled hearing of it . I like that they placed it in February along with Valentines Day, another day about hearts. :love

I'll probably not wear red. I rarely do.
 
So, have you ever participated in a specific Heart Health Event?
I don't think I have, but maybe when I was in school.

Will you wear red this coming Friday?
If I remember I might. I have very little red in my closet because I do not like it on me!

Are there any habits you have as part of your routine, or that you will adopt?
I struggle with managing my cholesterol and triglycerides, so I try to do as much as I can. I meet with a nutritionist who has given me lots of great advice as far as how I can eat better. I did so well with the gym last summer and my numbers were the best they've ever been, but then fall hit...my mom was in the hospital and then all that came after that. Then we've pretty much been snowed in for a month lol. As soon as this weather breaks, I am getting back in there before my next blood work!!
 
I've never heard of it, or if I have, I don't remember. But now that I know, I'll probably wear red on Friday and mention it to all my clients.
 
elseepe said:
What happened to all that time you thought you'd get with that empty nest, huh?
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Right? Even when my boys were in high school, quite often I would mention being busy and people would assume it was because of their activities, but nope, I'm in too many activities of my own! :giggle It's this whole working thing that gets in the way. Ha ha! Except that also helps pay for my art supplies... so for now, work I must. :agree
 
michelepixels said:
I haven't bought a home blood pressure tracker, but my dad has suggested I do. Maybe someday. I have started going to the doctor since I've reached my 50's for well-checks (never regularly before that except for prenatal care), though still not quite annually, and my numbers are good.

I'm active. I walk and do yoga most days. My daily walking habit goes back to 2014 and I walk or hike from 1 to 6 miles depending on the season (more on Saturdays and during school breaks). Yoga I only just started doing frequently about 6 months ago. My job also has me walking back and forth across the school every half hour, picking up students and returning them to their classrooms.

Nutrition has been an interest of mine as long as I can remember, but I've only been fully plant-based and vegan for about 4 years now. It was a gradual shift so I don't have an anniversary date. If anyone wants some delicious plant based recipes, my favorite vegan chef is Rainbow Plant Life.

Never smoked and largely avoided second hand smoke as well since it was banned in California public places in my teens. My parents didn't smoke either.

Pretty good at reducing stress. Journaling, coloring, scrapbooking, walks, talking things out with people I'm close to, . . .

I can't remember if I've celebrated Heart Health Month before but I when I read this I recalled hearing of it . I like that they placed it in February along with Valentines Day, another day about hearts. :love

I'll probably not wear red. I rarely do.
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That's a lot of walking. And I'm going to check out the vegan chef. I could use a few more good vegan options. I actually have a couple of cookbooks (some things I kept), but I rarely pull them out and just opt for the easy internet.
 
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