Since 1964, when President Lyndon B. Johnson issued the first proclamation, February has been dedicated as “American Heart Month.” Johnson was one of the millions of Americans to have suffered a heart attack. Today, cardiovascular disease is still the leading cause of death in America. According to the CDC, every 34 seconds one person dies from cardiovascular disease; that’s 1 in every 5 deaths. But you can still do a lot to protect your heart by practicing self-love.

In February much of the focus is on Valentine’s Day and sharing love with others. It’s also okay to practice self-love, too. Self-love is a state of appreciation for oneself that grows from actions that
support our physical, psychological, and spiritual growth. This can be a challenge to many, but it’s easier than you think to show your heart love each day.

Self-love means taking care of the spirit, mind, and body and making yourself a priority in your life. Some examples of some simple things are:
• Physical activity – a brisk 30-minute walk a few times a week.
• Cooking meals that are low in sodium and unhealthy fats.
• Getting 7-8 hours of sleep every night.
• Managing stress through activities such as yoga, meditation, and prayer.
• Spending time with good friends, or quiet time with a good book or funny movie.
• Grabbing fruits and veggies when hunger strikes and keeping well hydrated.
• Managing health issues such as diabetes and hypertension.
• Taking medications as prescribed and keeping medical appointments.
• Being grateful rather than holding resentments.

Remember, each day is another opportunity to succeed. It may require the help of friends, family, and health providers but the efforts are worth the gain. Loving yourself is worth the effort. Visit HeartTruth.gov for resources and tools to help you make heart healthy lifestyle changes.