February is American Heart Month, Somerset Public Health says support is key

SKOWHEGAN – Did you know that people who have close relationships at home, work, or in their community tend to be healthier and live longer? One reason, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), is that we’re more successful at meeting our health goals when we work on them with others. NHLBI launched the #OurHearts movement to inspire us to protect and strengthen our hearts with the support of others.
Feeling connected with others and having positive, close relationships benefit our overall health, including our blood pressure and weight. Having people in our lives who motivate and care for us helps, as do feelings of closeness and companionship.
Follow these heart-healthy lifestyle tips to protect your heart. It will be easier and more successful if you work on them with others, including by texting or phone calls if needed.
• Be more physically active
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Eat a nutritious diet
• Quit smoking
• Reduce stress
• Get 7-8 hours of quality sleep
• Track your heart health stats
Interested in quitting smoking? Reach out to the Maine QuitLink at MaineQuitLink.com or call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (800-784-8669) for free, confidential support.
Somerset Public Health is a coalition of staff members, community members, organizations, and businesses working together to improve health in Somerset County. Find Somerset Public Health online at somersetpublichealth.org, Facebook.com/SomersetPublicHealth or @SomersetPublicHealth on Instagram.