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 February is Heart Awareness Month

 

Hello my friend,

Can you believe we’re already in February? Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and while chocolates and cards are lovely, one of the best ways we can show our hearts a little love is by taking care of them.

February is Heart Awareness Month a time to pause and bring attention to an organ that quietly works for us every moment of every day. Our hearts beat without asking for recognition, carrying us through joy, stress, grief, love, and everything in between. They truly are the ultimate multitaskers.

When we talk about heart health, the conversation can sometimes feel clinical or even a little scary. But caring for our hearts doesn’t have to begin with fear or perfection. It can start gently with awareness, curiosity, and compassion. Our hearts are constantly communicating with us, letting us know when something feels supportive… and when something feels off.

Learning to listen to our hearts is one of the most loving things we can do. Sometimes that listening helps us recognize when we need rest, nourishment, or connection. Other times, it helps us understand when our bodies may be asking for medical care or a little extra support. Heart awareness isn’t about doing everything “right” it’s about paying attention and responding with care.

Loving our hearts goes far beyond a single month or a checklist of rules. True heart care is built through small, daily acts of respect the ways we nourish, move, rest, and support ourselves over time. No pressure. No perfection required.

Our hearts need consistent fuel to function well. Eating enough, enjoying a variety of foods, and allowing ourselves satisfaction are all supportive of heart health. Chronic restriction, dieting, and fear around food can increase stress on the body and stress has a direct impact on the heart. Nourishing our hearts means choosing foods that support us while also honoring enjoyment and flexibility. Yes, joy is allowed here.

Our hearts thrive on movement but that movement doesn’t need to be extreme or exhausting. Gentle, consistent activity such as Tai Chi, yoga, walking, stretching, dancing, gardening, or simply moving throughout the day supports circulation, heart strength, and overall well-being. The most heart-supportive movement is the kind that feels sustainable, enjoyable, and kind.

Chronic stress places a very real, physical burden on the heart. When we live in a constant state of “pushing through,” our hearts end up working harder than they need to. Simple practices like deep breathing, slowing down, laughter, rest, meaningful connection, and time spent doing things that feel safe and enjoyable all help calm the nervous system and when the nervous system settles, the heart benefits too.

Loving our hearts also means allowing ourselves support. Regular check-ins with a trusted healthcare provider, including annual physicals, can help identify changes early. This is especially important for individuals living with type 2 diabetes or other chronic conditions that may increase cardiovascular risk. Preventive care isn’t about fear it’s about partnership, protection, and peace of mind.

At its core, heart care isn’t about perfection. It’s about listening, responding, and choosing kindness toward our bodies again and again. And if we can do that with a little patience, a little humor, and a lot of compassion… well, that’s a very happy heart indeed.

Most people are familiar with general heart attack warning signs, but it’s important to know that men and women can experience different symptoms, along with some that are shared by both.

Common Symptoms (All Genders)

• Chest discomfort or pain (pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain not always sharp)
• Pain or discomfort in the arms, shoulders, neck, jaw, or back
• Shortness of breath
• Lightheadedness or dizziness
• Cold sweats
• Nausea or vomiting
• A sense that “something isn’t right”

Not all chest pain is dramatic. Sometimes it’s subtle, dull, or comes and goes.

Symptoms More Common in Men

• Intense chest pain or pressure
• Pain radiating down the left arm
• Sudden shortness of breath
• Sweating paired with chest discomfort

Symptoms More Common in Women

• Unusual or extreme fatigue (sometimes days beforehand)
• Shortness of breath without chest pain
• Nausea, indigestion, or vomiting
• Pain in the neck, jaw, shoulders, upper back, or abdomen
• Dizziness or faintness
• Anxiety or a feeling of impending doom

Many women report thinking they had the flu, stress, or heartburn. Heart attacks don’t always arrive loudly. Sometimes they whisper.

If something feels off especially if symptoms are new, unusual, or persistent it’s okay to trust your body and seek help. You are never overreacting by listening.

Some heart conditions are inherited, while others develop over time. Heart disease, past heart surgery, implanted devices, or medications used to support heart health are all part of many people’s stories and none of them define your worth or limit your ability to live fully.

For those living with a diagnosed heart condition, listening to your heart takes on an especially meaningful role. You know your body better than anyone else you are the one living in it. Noticing changes in energy, symptoms, heart rhythm, breathing, or how you feel during daily activities provides important information for your healthcare team.

If something feels new, different, or out of the ordinary, sharing that information is not being anxious or overly cautious it’s being informed and engaged in your care. Medications, follow-up appointments, and lifestyle adjustments are tools meant to support you, not restrict you.

Your healthcare is a partnership, and you are the lead advocate for your body. Ask questions. Understand what medications do, what procedures can and cannot accomplish, and the potential benefits and risks. It’s okay and encouraged to take a moment to research, reflect, and discuss your options with your healthcare team. Being informed and asking questions doesn’t make you difficult; it makes you empowered. Your body, your heart, your choices you get to be fully involved.

Heart care in these situations is built on partnership. Open communication with your healthcare providers, honoring your body’s signals, and allowing yourself rest and support all work together to help you live well. With ongoing care and awareness, many people with heart conditions continue to lead active, meaningful, and connected lives.

At its heart, heart care is about trust, awareness, and kindness toward your body, your choices, and yourself. Every step you take to listen, nourish, move, rest, and ask questions is a loving act. And that, my friends, is something to celebrate every day of the year.