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In February, it seems like hearts are everywhere. You might have cartoon hearts on your clothes, in your house, or to give out to kids’ friends at school. But when was the last time you thought about your own heart? February has been American Heart Month since 1964, encouraging us all to take steps to be more hearthealthy. Unfortunately, heart disease is still the top cause of death in the U.S. It can be hard for parents to find the time to prioritize their own health, but it is also important to make sure that you can care for and play with your children for years to come. In that spirit, here are some heart-healthy tips that you can easily implement as part of your family’s regular routines:

Prioritize family play dates

Having close friendships is an underappreciated key to heart health. People with close friends are less likely to experience their first heart attack, perhaps due to the decreased stress or positive influence of those friendships. Getting the whole family involved is a great way to make sure you have time to cultivate these friendships and encourage your children to have those healthy relationships as well. Fellow parents are more likely to have things in common, and it’s an easy way to ask someone to hang out. Of course, don’t feel guilty if you get together with your friends without the kids sometimes. We all need a break and those fun times or vent sessions are also extremely healthy for your heart.

Go on family hikes

This is a two-for-one activity. We all know we need to be more active to stay healthy, but our busy schedules may make it difficult to squeeze in solo workouts. Taking the kids on a hike is a good way to get the whole family moving. As a bonus, being outside in nature is also known to reduce stress, which is a huge key to heart health. Even city-dwellers can usually find some trails nearby for a weekend activity. Too cold outside? Try family yoga or gymnastics or whatever you all like to do to stay active.

Eat (the right kind of) chocolate

This might be the most fun tip of all. When it’s time to pick your Valentine’s Day treats, skip the candy hearts and reach for the dark chocolate instead. Studies have shown that eating dark chocolate in moderation provides the body with healthy antioxidants that can lower the risk of heart disease. Other heart-healthy foods include almonds, salmon, and red wine (also in moderation!).

Of course, these are not the only ways to make your heart healthier. If you are a smoker, you already know you should take steps to curb this habit. If your family’s diet consists of processed or sugary foods, you could try to incorporate some at-home cooking nights to incorporate more fruits, vegetables, and lean poultry. But if these larger changes seem overwhelming, start with the tips above instead. The great thing about healthy habits is that they tend to lead to more healthy habits!

- Keep nasal passages moist by drinking lots of fluids, using a humidifier as well as saline sprays

- Close windows during peak pollen periods

- Bathe your child at the end of every day to remove any allergens from their body and hair

- Stay inside while the lawn is being mowed if allergic to grass

- Have child wash hands and face as soon as he/she comes in from playing outside to avoid them rubbing pollen into their eyes and nose

- Avoid your child playing in piles of leaves if allergic to mold

If your child’s allergy symptoms simply are too much to handle, consult with their pediatrician. Most likely, they will conduct an allergy test and provide you with medication options and/or long term treatments.

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