Love your heart this February
By Dr. Paul Mayer, El Paso County Public Health Medical Director
February is often synonymous with red roses and heart-shaped boxes of candy, but the month also marks an important time to focus on your personal health: American Heart Month. This February, consider sharing a little love with the muscle that keeps everything else in your body running — your heart.
Understanding heart disease and cardiac health
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. According to the El Paso County Coroner’s Report, cardiovascular issues claim hundreds of lives annually in El Paso County alone.
The heart is a powerful, muscular organ, roughly the size of a clenched fist, that serves as the engine of your circulatory system. Its primary job is to act as a continuous pump, ensuring that every cell in your body receives the oxygen and nutrients it needs to survive while simultaneously removing metabolic waste.
Heart disease isn’t caused by a single factor but is usually the result of a complex combination of lifestyle choices, genetics and underlying medical conditions. Because these elements are connected, keeping your heart healthy requires you to take multiple steps, including routine health screenings, regular exercise and managing stress.
The good news is that heart disease is largely preventable through lifestyle changes and early detection.
How to protect your “engine”
Prioritizing your cardiovascular system shouldn’t feel like a chore. It is about making small, sustainable changes in your routine that yield massive long-term rewards. Here are a few foundational steps to ensure your heart stays in peak condition:
Know your numbers: High blood pressure and high cholesterol are often “silent” risks. Visit your doctor to discuss your 10-year risk of heart disease, especially if you are over 40.
Move more, sit less: You don’t need to run a marathon to make a difference. Aiming for 150 minutes of moderate activity per week—just 20 minutes a day of brisk walking or gardening, for instance—can lower blood pressure and reduce stress.
Fuel with intention: Focus on a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains. Limit added sugars and sodium.
Prioritize sleep and stress management: Chronic stress and lack of sleep (less than seven hours) can damage your blood vessels. Try setting aside some time each week to care for yourself. For instance, you could try “Self-Care Sundays” or take time out each day to practice deep breathing.
Why this month matters
American Heart Month serves as a national wake-up call. It is a time to honor those we have lost to heart disease by committing ourselves and our families to a healthier future. By participating in traditions like National Wear Red Day (observed the first Friday of February), we spread awareness that heart health is a community-wide priority.
This February, let the red decorations serve as a reminder to check in on yourself. Your heart works tirelessly for you—this month, make sure you’re working for it, too.
