Heart-Healthy Habits

A pediatrician recently described my son’s heart sounds as timpani – a good association since we all want those healthy “boom, sickness boom, unhealthy booms” and “lub, click dubs” of a strong heart! (He then followed the observation by saying, “I don’t hear any cymbals, so that’s a good thing!)

Discovered around 1-month of age, my son has heart abnormalities, though his heart currently works with excellent function. But, his condition may worsen over time (decades, hopefully), which reminds us as a family how important heart health is.

Heart disease remains such a common malady in our culture that people may even glaze over the topic because it can be so well-covered in news and medical outlets.

But, the fact still remains that heart disease is the number one cause of death among Americans overall. (The CDC gives more heart disease facts on their website.) February is American Heart Month – an apt time to focus on heart-healthy habits together!

Heart condition or not, prevention matters in reducing risk of heart disease and taking care of these hard-working hearts! Instilling healthy habits in our families (and ourselves!) lowers heart disease risk, saves money for families and companies, and improves overall body function.

What heart-healthy habits can we incorporate as a family?

• Physical Activity – get enough activity and get activity often (How much activity? Check the links on this post.)
• Healthy Eating – Incorporate a variety of healthy foods, reduce salt and fat intake, aim for at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables each day, choose whole grains and whole foods (non-processed) as often as possible.
• Emotional and Spiritual Health – Our emotional hearts need proper attention, too. A healthy prayer life and trust in God improves our physical health as well.
• Stay away from smoking and tobacco.
• Keep track of your overall health and wellness.

Heart-Focused Activity Ideas

• Try new activities each month to keep interest in fitness elevated – focus on heart-pumping fun!
• Talk openly about wellness and heart-health as a family. Discuss what you want to improve, what you’re learning about health, and how you can encourage each other to make heart-healthy decisions.
• Form a support system with your family and/or friends to motivate exercise and healthy habits!
• Learn how to take your heart rate to check if you’re working out at an appropriate level (see the sheet I’ve written in the picture to the right) – and learn about how the heart operates while you’re at it!

Additional Resources:

1. The American Heart Association provides some lesson ideas for elementary and middle grades on heart health.
2. The Lookout Magazine offers several interesting articles on faith and wellness.
3. Commonly Asked Questions about Children and Heart Disease from the American Heart Association.

What can you and your family do to celebrate being heart-healthy this month?

Caroline is wife, homeschooling momma to a toddler son, writer, certified personal trainer, and former physical education teacher – and a child constantly in need of grace. She blogs at Under God’s Mighty Hand.