Show Your Heart Some Love this February

While Valentine’s Day may be over, it’s not too late to show yourself some love. Flowers, chocolates, and stuffed animals are all nice things to receive, but nothing compares to the gift of getting a clean bill of health. Each February, the American Heart Association aims to shed light on preventative measures and strategies to stay healthy through the celebration of American Heart Month. While this month helps get important conversations started, it is up to each of us to keep our health a priority all year long. Placing a high emphasis on health often strengthens as we age; however, it is best to encourage the adoption of healthy habits during childhood.    

Schedule Routine Check-Ups 

One of the best ways to prevent and stop the spread of heart disease is through appointments with healthcare professionals. Annual and routine check-ups like getting a yearly physical, recommended screenings, and dental and eye exams, can help identify any potential concerns and allow intervention before they become much worse. Always listen to your body and never ignore the signs and symptoms of a disease or illness. In many cases, early intervention is key to getting yourself on the path back to health.                   

Know the Risks - Learn CPR

According to the American Heart Association, over 350,000 cardiac arrests happen outside of a hospital each year, with most occurring at home. Sadly, only 10% of the individuals survive. What is even more sobering is more than 23,000 incidents happen to children. Giving someone CPR can double or even triple their chances of survival. Therefore, consider learning CPR and being ready when it matters most.

Food for Thought 

From staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water to choosing healthy snacks like fruits, vegetables, yogurt, or nuts, instead of sugary or high-calorie snacks is a great way to maintain a healthy weight. Exercising, staying active, and managing stress are also crucial. Some aspects of your health are individual; therefore, practicing self-care can help preserve your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. However, there are many areas where your family and friends can play a role. From prepping and cooking meals together, to sharing recipes and exercising together, you can motivate each other to maintain a healthy lifestyle.   

Get Some ZZZs 

Lack of sleep and poor-quality sleep can increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and other medical conditions. Therefore, try and aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night and maintain a consistent schedule of going to bed and waking up at the same time each day. Try to complete your exercise routine at least 2-3 hours before bed and avoid caffeine and alcohol.      

Protecting our Future Generation   

Healthy Lifestyles and First on the Scene are just two of more than 30 topics of curriculum available for Progressive Agriculture Safety Day® (PAF Safety Days) programs. Through various hands-on activities and demonstrations, children learn to make safer and healthier choices. After learning potentially life-saving information, participants return home to share the knowledge they gained with their family and friends.

Now in its 30th year, PAF Safety Days continues to be recognized as the largest rural safety and health education program for children in North America. Since its inception in 1995, the program has reached millions of participants and volunteers. You, too, can join the mission and provide education, training, and resources to make farm, ranch, and rural life safer and healthier for all children, their families, and their communities. Visit www.progressiveag.org for more information and click on Get Involved to learn about volunteer opportunities, donating to the cause, or how to bring a PAF Safety Day to your local community.