February is American Heart Month, a reminder to learn how to support your heart health and take proactive measures against heart disease and stroke. Did you know that according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “more than 877,500 Americans die of heart disease, stroke, or other cardiovascular diseases every year?” This makes heart disease and other cardiovascular diseases the cause of death for in one in three Americans annually. To help support you against heart disease and stroke, the Center for Health & Wellbeing has the resources and programs as part of the Community Education offering, fitness classes at the Crosby Wellness Center and AdventHealth medical practices.

CHWB is hosting several Community Education programs geared toward heart health education in February. These programs include Use Your Heart’s Intelligence to Build Resilience, Strength Training for the Heart, AdventHealth’s Stroke Support Group, Decreasing Heart Disease through Lifestyle Change, CHWB Heart Month Dance Party and others. To register for one or more of the programs above, click here.  

The AdventHealth medical services at CHWB empowers you with access to experts who can guide you toward a healthier lifestyle. Meet with the Primary Care physicians to discuss steps to take to improve heart health, set up routine lab work to check cholesterol and other important tests at the AdventHealth Lab inside CHWB, or use the onsite retail pharmacy for prescription medications or over-the-counter needs.  

Crosby Wellness Center, the state-of-the-art fitness facility inside CHWB, is a membership-based fitness center that works to improve the lives of its members through its many amenities. For instance, the Natatorium is equipped with two indoor pools – one for lap swimming, which can improve heart health by making your most important organ work more efficiently; and an aqua-fitness pool, fitness floor, cycling studio, Pilates reformers and a dedicated staff to assist in your wellbeing journey.

But your heart’s health doesn’t stop with fitness or medicine – nutrition is a key component. Incorporate heart-healthy ingredients into everyday meals like whole grains, nuts, or low-fat dairy products and limit foods high in sodium and saturated fat. Nourish Coffee Bar + Kitchen, the health-focused cafe inside CHWB, offers many menu items that incorporate healthy ingredients to support your wellbeing, like the Super Food Power Bowl packed with vitamins and minerals or the Stuffed Butternut Squash. You can enjoy these items in the cafe, or browse our take-home meals to enjoy on the go or at home.

It’s important to remember that taking care of yourself is the most important factor in your daily routine. Incorporate these heart-healthy services and programs offered at the Center for Health & Wellbeing and the at-home tips into your everyday life so you too can continue a healthier, more fulfilled life.