February is heart month, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be raising awareness all the time about heart health. Did you know?

Heart disease is responsible for 1 in every 4 deaths in the United States each year.

Heart disease is more deadly than all cancers combined.

45% of heart attack victims are under the age of 45.

1 in 5 Americans will develop heart failure.

Each year, an estimated 785,000 Americans will have their first heart attack.

DFD is committed to stopping heart disease before it starts. By emphasizing preventative care, we’re here every step of the way to get your heart happy and healthy. Below are steps you can take every day to lower your risk for heart disease:

• Know and control your numbers: blood pressure (BP), cholesterol, and body mass index (BMI).
• Quit smoking: quitting is the best thing you can do for your health. DFD offers a smoking cessation program to provide support and resources to help you kick the habit for good.
• Get active: just 30 minutes of moderate physical activity each day can lower your risk for heart disease, stroke and diabetes.
• Manage stress: take 15-30 minutes of personal time each day. Understand stress triggers, and learn how to respond at home and at work.
• Choose good nutrition: a healthy diet is one of the best weapons you have to fight heart disease. Your diet should emphasize fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and should limit sugar and salt.

By taking these steps each day, we can change the stats of heart disease.