Healthy Habits for a Stronger Heart This American Heart Month

The American Heart Association (AHA) has designated February as American Heart Month to spotlight heart disease, the number one killer of Americans. More than 23,000 children experience cardiac arrest outside of the hospital each year, according to AHA. This alarming figure reinforces the importance of heart health, the need for more research, and how improving cardiovascular health can help millions of people live longer and healthier. 

Read on for some healthy heart tips from Columbia University School of Nursing faculty. And to get involved in spreading awareness, check out these resources on AHA’s website.  

"Move for at least 150 minutes a week—walk, dance, or swim to strengthen your heart and improve circulation. Reduce sitting with movement breaks. Manage stress with mindfulness, meditation, deep breathing, and spending time with loved ones. Small steps can make a big difference in protecting your heart and overall well-being!”

Ruth Masterson Creber, PhD, Mary Crawford Professor of Nursing

"Make it a priority to walk for 30 minutes a day or engage in another moderate activity to boost your overall well-being."

Jacquelyn Y. Taylor, PhD, Helen F. Petit Endowed Professor

"According to the AHA, mental health is the foundation for a healthy heart. Providing and employing mental health resources leads to improved and equitable cardiovascular health.” 

Meghan Reading Turchioe, PhD, assistant professor