Five Ways to Love Your Heart During American Heart Month

February is all about matters of the heart. Of course, there's Valentine's Day, a time to express affection for those we love, but it's also American Heart Month, a time to raise awareness about the leading cause of death in the U.S. — heart disease. Understanding the risks, as well as steps for prevention, is especially important for older adults, as the risk of heart disease increases after age 65. Lifestyle improvements like regular exercise, a balanced diet, reduced stress, and a greater focus on health can have a significant impact, not only on heart disease but on general well-being. AARP members have access to tools and benefits that make it easy to give your heart some love.

"When you take care of your heart, you take care of your whole self," said Doug Armstrong, Vice President, Health Products at AARP Services Inc. "AARP members have access to benefits that make it easy to prioritize your own health and overall well-being, from simplifying the process of finding a physician to discovering new ways to manage and save on medications."

1. Reduce Stress

There are many things in life that can cause us to feel stressed — finances, work, family, and even health concerns. While it may be difficult to remove stressors in your life, one thing you can easily do is adjust how you react to them. Doing so can greatly benefit your heart. Research has shown that ongoing stress increases your heart rate and can narrow blood vessels, increasing your risk of heart attack.

Finding ways to relax and calm your nerves can lower your blood pressure. For some, it may be as simple as taking a walk or trying some deep breathing techniques. For others, apps or professional help might be more effective in reducing stress.

2. Know Your Risk

Age and lifestyle are known risk factors for heart disease, but family history is as well. The best way to identify your risk and develop a plan is with a physician. Additionally, it's a good idea to consult your physician before beginning any exercise or fitness regimen.

If you have not yet established care with a primary care physician or are searching for a new one, Oak Street Health, the only primary care provider to carry the AARP name, provides primary care for adults on Medicare and focuses on prevention with personalized care to help keep you healthy — physically, mentally, and socially. Benefits include same-day/next-day appointments where available, convenient locations, a dedicated care team, and a 24/7 patient support line. AARP membership is not required to visit an Oak Street Health location.

3. Stay Active

Physical activity has so many benefits, especially as you get older. It can help build stronger bones, muscles and joints, boost your mental health, help you maintain a healthy weight, and reduce your risk of chronic diseases like heart disease. If you're not regularly active, why not try something new this February? Sign up for a fitness class you've been considering or give pickleball a try. Join a walking group or download a fitness app. It's recommended to get 30 minutes of aerobic exercise at least five times a week, which is great motivation to find some activities you enjoy. Oak Street Health offers a variety of events to help patients stay active and connected, like Zumba classes, line dancing lessons and game nights.

4. Stay on Track

Some people take medication to treat heart disease by lowering cholesterol or reducing high blood pressure. If your physician prescribes a treatment plan, it's important to stay on track to ensure effectiveness.

But sometimes, high prescription prices make it difficult to adhere to a regimen. Luckily, AARP members have access to tools to help with savings, such as AARP^® Prescription Discounts Provided by Optum RX^®. This program offers a free prescription discount card that can be used at over 66,000 pharmacies nationwide for savings on FDA-approved medications. Additional benefits for AARP members include home delivery, deeper discounts on medications, coverage for dependents and more.

If your regimen requires multiple medications taken at specific times, it's a good idea to get assistance with tracking them. Hero Smart Pill Dispenser stores, sorts and dispenses up to a 90-day supply of 10 different medications. The connected medication management app helps you manage medication routines, track your supply and understand your adherence. AARP members get exclusive savings on a Hero subscription.

5. Eat Well

A healthy, well-balanced diet is key to preventing heart disease. According to the American Heart Association, a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and minimally processed foods can be beneficial to your overall heart health. A healthy diet also reduces your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney disease and certain kinds of cancer. Plus, you might find that you have even more energy as you go about your day.

Simply put, heart-healthy habits are good lifestyle habits. So, this February, give your heart some love and be well. To learn more about AARP benefits that can help you achieve your heart health goals, visit aarp.org/benefits.

AARP and its affiliates are not insurers, agents, brokers or producers. AARP member benefits are provided by third parties, not by AARP or its affiliates. Providers pay a royalty fee to AARP for the use of its intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purposes of AARP. Some provider offers are subject to change and may have restrictions. Please contact the provider directly for details.