However, February is also National Heart Health Month and it is a time where we can show our love for our family, friends, partners, and others by increasing awareness of heart disease. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women.

Locally, in 2013, 21.7 percent of adult deaths were associated with the heart.

You can make healthy changes to lower your risk of developing heart disease through eating a heart-healthy diet that includes foods low in fat and cholesterol.

Controlling and preventing risk factors is also important for people who already have heart disease. Some easy tips to follow that can help you and your loved ones lower their risks include:

• Get active and maintain a healthy weight. Eat a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol.

• Quit smoking and stay away from secondhand smoke. It is one of the best things you can do for your heart — not to mention the rest of your body.

• Control your cholesterol and blood pressure.

• If you drink alcohol, drink only in moderation.

• Reduce stress. Life is too short to worry about everything.

• Celebrate your birthday each year with a checkup.

• Talk to your doctor about how you can reduce your risk for heart disease.

• Become a salt detective. Check out the Nutrition Facts panel, on packaged foods to see how much sodium they contain. Heart disease can often be prevented by making healthier choices.

The Halifax County Public Health System is your partner in building and maintaining a healthy heart by offering programs such as WiseWoman and Living Healthy.

I challenge you to increase awareness of heart disease by spreading the word about prevention strategies and encouraging individuals in your life to live for the heart of it because public health matters! For more information about how public health is working for you, contact HCPHS Health Department at 252-583-5021.

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