Tips to be more heart healthy for Heart Month

This is part of a monthly series produced by the Wellness Committee here at FinnU. View an archive of Wellness Committee articles. This month’s article was produced by Katie Curtis. 

February is a month to celebrate your heart, and not just for Valentine’s Day. The American Heart Association named February “Heart Month.” Below are some links with ideas on how to better care for your heart.

• American Hearth Month
• Centers for Disease Control
• HealthFinder

Finlandia employees Michael H. Babcock and Augustine Brutus running during the 2016 Canal Run. This year’s event is July 15, and will make a great goal whether you want to run or walk five miles, 10 miles or take a try at your first half marathon. Learn more at hancockcanalrun.com.

One of the best ways to improve your heart health is to move your body. Cardiovascular exercise keeps your heart healthy and strong. Sometimes when people are beginning a new plan to increase movement, it can be overwhelming. It can be as easy as beginning with 5 minutes of sustained walking and working up to 30 minutes or more.

Others may want to set a goal such as a 5K fun run to focus on. The Couch to 5K plan is a free program that helps individuals build up to a 5K in three days per week over the course of 9 weeks. There is a free app available for your phone in the google play store or the apple store for this program.

Another option is to start using your FREE benefit at the Paavo Nurmi Center. As Finlandia students and employees you have free access to the strength center, gym and batting cages/hockey shooting area. Learn more about Finlandia Community Wellness on their recently launched page, and be sure to check out the open house on Monday, February 20.

It is ALWAYS important to check with your doctor or a health/fitness professional prior engaging in any new exercise activities.

During this month of thinking of your sweetheart, remember to be sweet to your heart.