February is American Heart Month — an annual observance dedicated to raising awareness about cardiovascular health and encouraging Americans to take proactive steps to protect their hearts. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, responsible for roughly one in every five fatalities, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This underscores the urgency of focusing on preventive measures, early intervention, and consistent care. If you want to learn how to safeguard your heart and the well-being of those you love, read on to learn how you can take control of your heart health.
Understanding American Heart Month
American Heart Month offers a crucial reminder that heart disease does not discriminate. Everyone — regardless of age, race, or gender — can be at risk if they do not prioritize cardiovascular care. During American Heart Month, healthcare providers, nonprofit organizations, and community leaders ramp up efforts to emphasize the importance of regular checkups, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and seeking timely care when warning signs appear.
At St. Luke’s, we are proud to join the American Heart Association (AHA) in this nationwide campaign. By uniting medical professionals and community members, we strive to reduce the number of cardiovascular-related incidents and improve outcomes for those who have experienced heart-related challenges. Through charitable concierge medical care, we aim to provide personalized, high-quality health services that meet patients’ unique needs.
Why It Matters
Cardiovascular disease kills around 700,000 Americans each year, per the CDC. This statistic may sound daunting, but it also serves as a call to action. Many of the leading risk factors for heart disease — such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking — are preventable. Even genetic predispositions can often be managed with the right support and medical oversight. Early intervention is a game-changer in reducing hospital readmissions and preventing advanced heart disease.
How to Take Charge of Your Heart Health
Below are tips that can help you protect your heart during American Heart Month — and all year long.
- Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet: A balanced diet filled with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can lower your risk of heart disease. Consider limiting sodium, added sugars, and saturated fats. These small dietary adjustments can make a significant difference, especially for those with existing conditions like hypertension or high cholesterol. To learn more about proper nutrition, visit the American Heart Association’s Health Living section.
- Stay Active & Exercise Regularly: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week, such as brisk walking or cycling. Regular physical activity strengthens your heart, lowers blood pressure, and helps maintain a healthy weight. If you are unsure where to begin, consult with your healthcare provider or explore St. Luke’s services to find a program that meets your needs.
- Manage Stress & Get Enough Sleep: Chronic stress and lack of sleep can lead to high blood pressure and other cardiovascular risks. Engage in relaxation techniques — like meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga — and aim for seven to nine hours of quality sleep each night. Reducing stress supports both mental and physical well-being, which is vital in preventing heart-related complications.
- Know Your Numbers (Blood Pressure, Cholesterol, and More!): Regular screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and body mass index (BMI) can alert you to potential issues before they escalate. Speak with a trusted health professional about how often you should be tested based on your age, family history, and existing conditions.
Taking steps to prevent heart disease now can spare you and your family from heartache later. Even modest lifestyle changes, like reducing processed food intake or increasing daily steps, can lower the chance of developing severe heart conditions.
How St. Luke’s Can Help
At St. Luke’s Modesto, we offer various programs and services aimed at helping you maintain a healthy heart. We believe in treating every patient with dignity and personalized care. If you would like to learn more about St. Luke’s services or see how to receive care, click here to explore our family practice and see how to join. Our approach often includes in-depth patient education, routine screenings, and individualized care plans to ensure you get the support you need.
We also advocate for underserved communities through our nonprofit arm, the St. Luke’s Family Practice Foundation, which focuses on ensuring everyone has access to quality medical services. By utilizing advanced models of care, such as charitable concierge medical care, we are paving the way for a more equitable health landscape.
Join the Conversation
We invite you to stand with us and the American Heart Association in the fight against heart disease. Learn more at www.heart.org, and use the hashtags #HeartMonth, #StLukesModesto, #AmericanHeartMonth, #HeartHealth, and #GoRed to share your journey and inspire others to prioritize cardiovascular wellness.
February is American Heart Month, but our commitment to heart health should last far beyond February. By eating a heart-healthy diet, staying active, managing stress and monitoring your vital numbers, you can make a positive impact on your own health and the well-being of those around you. Together, we can build a community that values preventive care, supports early intervention and saves countless lives from the nation’s leading killer.
Help St. Luke’s Family Practice Make Healthcare Accessible for All
Charitable concierge medicine embodies the spirit of compassionate, comprehensive healthcare by ensuring everyone can access quality medical care regardless of financial limitations. By focusing on early intervention, preventive health, and coordinated care, charitable concierge medicine can change lives and improve health outcomes broadly.
If you or someone you know could benefit from this type of care, organizations like St. Luke’s Family Practice are an excellent resource. Early intervention can make all the difference — and charitable concierge medicine is leading the way in creating accessible, sustainable healthcare solutions for those most in need.
St. Luke’s has provided over 63,000 free office visits to underserved individuals in our community, serving as a vital resource for those with few other options. We’re proud the St. Luke’s model has inspired the development of numerous charitable practices nationwide. Support St. Luke’s or reach out to schedule care today!
