February is American Hearth Month and 2014 marks 50 years of raising awareness for heart disease. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women, but heart disease is preventable and controllable!

Here are a few numbers for you: each year about 715,000 Americans have a heart attack. About 600,000 people die from heart disease in the US each year.

These are astonishing numbers and it’s important for you and your family to do your part in staying healthy to avoid becoming a statistic. Your journey to a healthy heart will happen one step at a time. When beginning on this journey, keep a few things in mind. Don’t get overwhelmed, even a little victory brings you closer to a healthier heart. Ask a friend to join you, the journey will more fun if you have company. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get as far as you would like. Take the journey one step, one day at a time and know that each day is a new opportunity to take strides towards a healthier you.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers tips to keep your heart healthy.

o   Eat a healthy diet

o   Maintain a healthy weight

o   Exercise regularly

o   Monitor your blood pressure

o   Don’t smoke

o   Limit alcohol use

o   Have your cholesterol checked

o   Manage your diabetes
o   Take your medicine

Remember there is only one YOU! Make yourself a priority and strive towards a healthy lifestyle for you and your loved ones.

For more information visit: cdc.gov or heart.org