MMH Goes Red for Heart Health Month
February 1, 2023 at 8:42 p.m.
Margaret Mary Health is asking the community to join them in wearing red on Friday, Feb. 3! Each year on the first Friday in February, they, along with the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and others around the country celebrate National Wear Red Day® to bring greater attention to heart disease as a leading cause of death for Americans and steps people can take to protect their heart. Most adults have one or more risk factors for heart disease, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or being a smoker or overweight.
Having multiple risk factors increases your risk for heart disease. Did you know that people who have close relationships at home, work, or in their community tend to be healthier and live longer? One reason, according to the NHLBI, is that we're more successful at meeting our health goals when we work on them with others. Look for local events that support your goals. You don't have to make big changes all at once. Some small steps will get you where you want to go. Here are some facts, how-to tips, and resources to inspire you to join with others, even if you can't be physically together, to improve your heart health.
Move more: Aim for at least 2½ hours of physical activity each week. Eat heart-healthy: We tend to eat like our friends and family, so ask others close to you to join in your effort to eat healthier. Quit smoking: To help you quit, ask others for support or join an online support group. Research shows that people are much more likely to quit if their spouse, friend, or sibling does. Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669). You'll find many free resources to help you quit, such as apps, a motivational text service, and a chat line at BeTobaccoFree.hhs.gov and Smokefree.gov. Manage stress: Reducing stress helps your heart health. Set goals with a friend or family member to do a relaxing activity every day, like walking, yoga, or meditation.
Talk to a mental health provider or someone else you trust. Improve sleep: Sleeping 7–8 hours a night helps to improve heart health. De-stressing will help you sleep, as will getting a 30-minute daily dose of sunlight. And lose the screens before bed. Relax by listening to music, reading, or taking a bath.
Get a group to join you this Friday, and share your photos online using #MMHwearsRed!
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Margaret Mary Health is asking the community to join them in wearing red on Friday, Feb. 3! Each year on the first Friday in February, they, along with the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and others around the country celebrate National Wear Red Day® to bring greater attention to heart disease as a leading cause of death for Americans and steps people can take to protect their heart. Most adults have one or more risk factors for heart disease, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or being a smoker or overweight.
Having multiple risk factors increases your risk for heart disease. Did you know that people who have close relationships at home, work, or in their community tend to be healthier and live longer? One reason, according to the NHLBI, is that we're more successful at meeting our health goals when we work on them with others. Look for local events that support your goals. You don't have to make big changes all at once. Some small steps will get you where you want to go. Here are some facts, how-to tips, and resources to inspire you to join with others, even if you can't be physically together, to improve your heart health.
Move more: Aim for at least 2½ hours of physical activity each week. Eat heart-healthy: We tend to eat like our friends and family, so ask others close to you to join in your effort to eat healthier. Quit smoking: To help you quit, ask others for support or join an online support group. Research shows that people are much more likely to quit if their spouse, friend, or sibling does. Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669). You'll find many free resources to help you quit, such as apps, a motivational text service, and a chat line at BeTobaccoFree.hhs.gov and Smokefree.gov. Manage stress: Reducing stress helps your heart health. Set goals with a friend or family member to do a relaxing activity every day, like walking, yoga, or meditation.
Talk to a mental health provider or someone else you trust. Improve sleep: Sleeping 7–8 hours a night helps to improve heart health. De-stressing will help you sleep, as will getting a 30-minute daily dose of sunlight. And lose the screens before bed. Relax by listening to music, reading, or taking a bath.
Get a group to join you this Friday, and share your photos online using #MMHwearsRed!