Manistee Heart Month

Weekly Heart Tips

Each week in February, we'll be sharing important information and tips for improving your heart health. Come back each week to learn more! 

Week 1: Heart Disease Risk Factors

Heart disease risk factors are conditions or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing heart disease. Heart disease remains the #1 cause of death in the United States, and many of its risk factors are preventable. Common risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, obesity, physical inactivity, poor diet, stress, and a family history of heart disease. Have you identified your risk factors?

Week 2: Exercise for Heart Health

Regular exercise helps keep your heart strong by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, improving blood sugar control, maintaining a healthy weight, and reducing stress. Just 30 minutes of activity on most days of the week can lower the overall risk of heart disease and improve your health.

Get up and get moving — small steps can make a big difference!

Week 3: Stress, Sleep, and Heart Health

Stress and sleep play a powerful role in heart health. Ongoing stress and poor sleep can raise blood pressure, increase inflammation, and contribute to unhealthy habits like poor eating or reduced activity.

Heart Healthy Tips

• Be physically active most days of the week
• Practice stress-reduction like deep breathing, stretching, meditation
• Keep a consistent sleep schedule (7-9 hours of sleep)
• Limit caffeine and screen before bed

Better sleep + less stress = a stronger heart! 

Week 4: Women and Heart Disease

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women. Many women experience symptoms that are subtle and easy to overlook, such as shortness of breath, fatigue, nausea, or pain in the back, neck, or jaw.

Know the signs:

• Chest pressure or discomfort
• Shortness of breath
• Unusual tiredness
• Nausea or dizziness

Protect your heart:

• Stay active
• Eat heart‑healthy foods
• Know your numbers (BP, cholesterol, blood sugar)
• Avoid smoking
• Manage stress

Early recognition and healthy habits save lives. 

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

Click here for a helpful list of questions to ask your provider about your heart and download a handy PDF to take to your next visit. Getting informed is the first step to getting healthy.