February is Heart Health Awareness Month 2026

Heart disease is one of the leading causes of illness and death in the U.S., but the good news is that up to 80% of cardiovascular risk can be lowered through lifestyle habits you start today—there is now better time to start than Heart Health Awareness Month 2026.

At CCM Health, we believe prevention is powerful. Making small daily choices around movement, food, sleep, and stress can protect your heart now and into the future.

“Heart health isn’t about making one big change overnight,” says Nicholas Krueger, MD, Primary Care and OB provider and Chief of Medical Staff at CCM Health. “It’s about consistently making small, manageable choices that support your body over time. Those everyday decisions truly add up.”

Move More Every Day
You don’t need a gym membership to improve heart health. Regular physical activity strengthens the heart, lowers blood pressure, helps manage weight, and improves circulation. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week, like brisk walking, biking, or dancing. Even short walks throughout your day add up to big heart benefits.
💡 Tip: Park farther away, take the stairs, or walk during phone calls — small steps count!

Eat Heart-Smart Foods
What you eat directly affects your heart health. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats helps lower cholesterol and supports healthy blood pressure. Cutting back on processed foods, sodium, and sugary drinks also reduces cardiovascular risk.
💡 Tip: Try a veggie-packed meal at least once a day, your heart will thank you.

Understand & Control Your Numbers
High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes are major risk factors for heart disease and they often have no symptoms. Regular checkups let you know your numbers and give you the chance to act before problems start. Your CCM Health provider can help you set goals and track progress.

Quit Smoking & Limit Alcohol
Smoking harms nearly every part of your cardiovascular system. Quitting smoking is one of the single most effective steps you can take for your heart. Likewise, moderating alcohol intake supports healthy blood pressure and weight control.

Manage Stress & Prioritize Sleep
Chronic stress and poor sleep can raise blood pressure and make unhealthy habits more tempting. Finding stress-reducing practices, like meditation, hobbies, or social time, helps both heart and mind. Aim for 7–9 hours of quality sleep each night to support overall health.

Healthy Habits Add Up
Preventing heart disease isn’t about perfection, it’s about progress. Small changes in everyday routines build a foundation for lifelong heart health. Whether it’s choosing an extra serving of veggies, walking after dinner, or checking your blood pressure regularly, each step you take today helps protect your future heart.

Partner With CCM Health
You don’t have to navigate heart health alone. CCM Health offers preventive care, screenings, and personalized support for your cardiovascular journey. Connect with your care provider to build a plan that fits your life and helps keep your heart healthy for years to come.

Join CCM Health’s Heart Health BINGO Challenge
To make Heart Health Awareness Month 2026 fun and interactive, CCM Health’s Cardiology Department is excited to offer Heart Health BINGO! This activity encourages you to engage in heart-healthy habits while competing for a chance to win a $25 gift card to the CCM Wellness Center.

Here’s how to play:

Pick up a Heart Health BINGO card at CCM Health’s patient registration desk or at the CCM Wellness Center member services desk or you can print one from our website. Click here to get and print your Heart Health BINGO Card.
Complete heart-healthy activities on the card and mark them off as you go.
Once you get a BINGO, drop off your completed card at the CCM Health patient registration desk in Montevideo or CCM Wellness Center member services desk by Saturday, February 28, 2026.

This challenge is a great way to focus on your health while having some fun. Get your family and friends involved and make it a community effort to stay heart-healthy together! The winner will be drawn and announced the week of March 2, 2026.