Letter from the Editor: Habits for a Healthy Heart
February is American Heart Health Month, but caring for your heart is important any time of year. That's why, in addition to maintaining our existing heart health articles with updates to include new research, we're also bringing new content your way to share accessible tips for things you can do today or any day to show your heart some love.
Small changes for big impact
Preventive care can help reduce long-term healthcare costs. And maintaining health in midlife can have long-term positive effects on health status later in life, too.
While there's always the possibility that you may develop conditions you can't prevent, like cancer or Alzheimer's disease, and genetics also play a role in overall health, there are steps you can take to improve your general well-being.
Many small or micro lifestyle changes have the potential to have a big impact on your heart health. You may be familiar with some, like increased exercise or increased vegetable intake. Even improvements to oral hygiene may make a difference.
A year of heart-healthy habits
I've been fortunate to have mostly good health, but as I get older, I'm more aware of my own mortality, especially after losing several family members over the past 3 years. Developing healthy habits, including ones that support heart health, is one action I can take to help increase the chances that I'll be here long enough to witness important moments in my children's lives.
This year, I'm focusing on small changes that I can manage on top of my busy life as a working mom to two young, energetic boys. I don't have a lot of time in my day for long workouts, and by the time I get home, I'm too tired to make involved dinners. Stress is a regular part of my life, and sleep is something that has eluded me since I was pregnant with my first child. He's 9 years old and counting.
Instead of taking an all-or-nothing approach, I'm embracing the idea that any positive change is better than no change. If you're also looking for ways to adopt healthier habits but have found big changes hard to make or maintain, I encourage you to join me and take a similar approach, assuming you have the OK from your doctor.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CBS News
24 minutes ago
- CBS News
Colorado's Boulder Jewish Community Center provides resources to community after attack
The Boulder Jewish Community Center is offering resources to the Colorado community after Sunday's attack, where 12 people were injured at a rally calling for the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza. One suspect has been arrested, accused of throwing Molotov cocktails at members of the group Run for Their Lives on Pearl Street Mall in downtown Boulder. Crime scene tape surrounds the area on Pearl Street in Boulder where a man attacked people with Molotov cocktails. CBS Boulder JCC has a special section on its website that details victim support and community resources, as well as this statement from Boulder's Jewish community: As we continue to process the horrific attack on members of our community during Sunday's Boulder Run for Their Lives walk, we wanted to share some important updates. First and foremost, we continue to hold the victims and their loved ones in our hearts. We are praying for their recovery and holding space for our entire Jewish community during this time of heightened fear and insecurity. While some of our community leaders are observing Shavuot, it remains important for us to share these critical updates during the Chag due to the urgent and exceptional nature of the circumstances. Boulder JCC Boulder JCC Some of the resources include mental health support, information about the suspect and those injured in the attack, as well as information about a community vigil and the Boulder Jewish Festival. Coming Together: A Community Vigil, hosted by the Boulder Jewish Community, is scheduled for June 4 at the Boulder JCC starting at 5 p.m. for a time for connection with the program beginning at 5:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. For those who wish to join remotely, they are asked to register online. The Boulder Jewish Festival is scheduled for Sunday, June 8, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Washington Post
27 minutes ago
- Washington Post
Texas considers banning products infused with THC derived from hemp, and retailers are worried
AUSTIN, Texas — Walk into enough gas stations and they're likely easy to find: gummies, drinks and vapes infused with THC, the compound that gives marijuana its psychoactive properties. That's given lawmakers across the U.S. headaches over how to regulate the booming market , and it's a conflict now taking hold in Texas, where a proposed ban passed by the Legislature poses another major battle for the industry.
CBS News
29 minutes ago
- CBS News
75-year-old N.J. man rescued from burning car in Edison
A good Samaritan rescued a 75-year-old man from a burning vehicle in Edison, New Jersey Tuesday morning. Charles Parry spotted the SUV on fire early Tuesday morning in front of a PetSmart. "At that time, flames were starting to come out of the hood of the car," Parry said. Parry called 911 and then ran toward the burning car to rescue the driver. "I was just struggling with the seatbelt a little bit … just got it half-way down his face, and was able to reach in and just started yanking him, and pulled him out far away from the car," Parr said. Parry then protected the man, telling him to stay down. Seconds later, the SUV was fully engulfed in flame. Charles Parry rescued a 75-year-old man from a burning SUV moments before it was fully engulfed in flame on June 3, 2025. Charles Parry Parry said he was surprised the man survived, since he says the man was driving erratically just before the incident. "I mean, he was full speed. The pedal was down the whole time. He went straight into the concrete foundation," Parry said. "That time, he burst into some cones, tires were skidding, he hit a few curbs the car was airborne at one point." Some debris from the vehicle where the driver crashed lingered at the scene. "He was clearly having a medical episode. We summoned the ambulance to come and check him out. He refused medical attention," Edison Police Chief Thomas Bryan said. "I would like to think that anybody would do that. I am just glad I had an opportunity to help somebody," Parry said. Parry said even though he suffered from smoke inhalation, he'd do it all over again. And while he doesn't see himself as a hero, others disagree. "Cause he always helps everybody. He helps taking care of me, and he's a very nice guy," Parry's grandfather Evan Owens said.
