JUNEAU, Alaska – February is National Heart Health Month which promotes taking daily steps to decrease the risk for heart disease, the leading cause of death in the United States. To empower Southeast Alaskans and provide them resources and incentives to prioritize their health – SouthEast Alaska Regional Health Consortium (SEARHC) has launched the 28-day program, Heart Matters, starting February 1.
Taking time to care for your heart can be challenging, but SEARHC Health Educators, Physical Therapists, Nutritionists and Behavioral Health Clinicians will be sharing health tips and tricks to turn short-term goals into long-term habits. Once signed up, participants select a personal health goal such as increasing physical fitness, improving nutrition, stress management or anything that helps the heart and enhances overall well-being. As participants work toward establishing a new healthy habit in 2023, SEARHC staff will provide support with tools, weekly lunch and learns, plus incentives. Weekly prizes will be given out as well as larger grand prizes at the end of the month. The longer participants stay involved in the program increases chances to win.
Showing the heart the love it deserves each day can have an immense impact on overall health. Small acts of self-care, such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator, getting quality sleep and cooking healthy meals, help the heart. Research shows that self-care can help keep blood pressure in a healthy range and reduce risk of heart disease and stroke. Daily activities that can make a difference include:
- Getting a daily dose of physical activity, such as a brisk, 30-minute walk.
- Quitting smoking
- Cooking meals that are low in sodium and unhealthy fats.
- Taking your medications as prescribed and keeping your medical appointments.
- Sleeping 7-8 hours each night.
- Managing stress through activities like meditation, yoga, a warm bath, or quiet time with a good book or funny movie.
To sign up for Heart Matters and take steps toward improving your heart health, go to this link. Early Bird Registration will begin January 11 until January 18, with additional prize entries for signing up beforehand. For more information, contact SEARHC Health Educator Kelsey Evans at kevans@searhc.org or 907.755.4995