February is American Heart Month

Public Health Encourages Residents to Be Purposeful in Their Heart Health

VALDOSTA – February is American Heart Month, and the Georgia Department of Public Health’s South Health District is encouraging everyone to be “Healthy on Purpose” by making intentional choices to support their heart health this month and beyond.

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), accounting for 1 in every 5 deaths. However, purposeful healthcare decisions can help reduce your risk and keep your heart healthy. As the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute emphasizes, you can do a lot to protect your heart and prioritize heart-healthy living.

Purposeful Steps for a Healthier Heart:

  • Be Active: Incorporate physical activity into your daily routine with intention.
  • Eat Healthy: Make deliberate food choices by focusing on a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats (such as chicken and fish), nuts, and legumes. Limit saturated and trans fats.
  • Be Smoke-Free: If you smoke, take the purposeful step to quit. The Georgia Tobacco Quit Line is available at 1-877-270-STOP (7867), and smoking cessation classes are offered to support your journey.
  • Get Checked: Schedule regular check-ups with your healthcare provider and actively monitor your blood pressure. Staying informed about your health is a key step in purposeful healthcare.

Practicing self-care is one of the most effective ways to protect your heart. Being physically active, eating healthier foods, getting enough sleep, not smoking, and finding healthy ways to reduce stress can all help prevent heart disease. Additionally, prioritizing your heart health can help you avoid severe illness, as individuals with poor cardiovascular health are at a higher risk of severe illness.

“Making purposeful choices is key to maintaining a healthy heart,” said Traci Gosier, Health Promotion Coordinator for South Health District. “Whether it’s walking with a friend, committing to quit smoking, or meal prepping to avoid grabbing fast food on the way home, these intentional changes can have a lasting impact on your well-being.”

Understanding your personal health measurements—such as blood pressure, cholesterol, weight, and blood sugar levels—is crucial. These numbers greatly impact your risk for heart disease. When you have a basic understanding of how these factors affect your health, you can make purposeful and informed decisions for yourself and your healthcare.

For more tips and resources on heart health, visit www.cdc.gov/heartdisease. To learn more about the Georgia Tobacco Quit Line, visit dph.georgia.gov/readytoquit.