By Debra Staton, Wellness Coordinator for the Arkansas Health Network

February is traditionally the month for lovers and all things heart related. It also reminds us to take care of our heart.

February is American Heart Month and the time to raise awareness about heart disease. This is a perfect time to focus on your own heart health and reduce your risk of heart disease,

The American Heart Association has listed smoking, nutrition, physical inactivity, obesity, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes as the largest risk factors for heart disease, stroke and heart disease.

Did you know exercise can help prevent heart disease? By getting regular physical activity, you can maintain a healthy weight and lower your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels.

Exercise is good for your heart, and it can be fun! Have you ever considered dancing? The American Heart Association has listed dancing as an example of endurance exercise that can improve your heart health. Dancing increases cardiovascular endurance because it elevates an individual’s breathing and heart rate. Life is a dance, so find your beat! Dance from your heart and for your heart!

Lowers blood pressure …Exercise makes the heart stronger when you exercise. It takes less effort for it to pump blood throughout your body; therefore helping with your blood pressure.

Increases “good” cholesterol. The high-density lipoprotein (HDL) is the good type of cholesterol, which acts as a filter in your bloodstream.

• Lowers “bad” cholesterol… The low-density lipoprotein (LDS) is the bad type of cholesterol, and exercise can help lower this one.
• Better brain health
• Increases energy
• Improves flexibility
• Reduces depression and anxiety
• Improves circulation… Your heart and blood vessels are responsible for getting oxygen to your muscles and the rest of your body.
• Helps with weight loss…Simply put, you burn calories, and you need to burn more calories than you consume in order to lose weight.
• Helps with sleep…If you improve your heart health through exercise, your sleep habits improve.
• Helps reduce stress…Exercise releases endorphins (feel good hormones); therefore, lowering your risk for heart disease.
• Lowers blood pressure …Exercise makes the heart stronger when you exercise. It takes less effort for it to pump blood throughout your body; therefore helping with your blood pressure.
• Increases “good” cholesterol… The high-density lipoprotein (HDL) is the good type of cholesterol, which acts as a filter in your bloodstream.