Our hearts work hard for us every single day, pumping blood and keeping us alive and active. That’s why it’s so important to take care of them! Heart health is essential for everyone, and teaching good habits early can set the foundation for a lifetime of well-being. By focusing on heart health together as families and classrooms, we can make learning about it fun and engaging. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, teacher, or professional, there are simple and enjoyable ways to protect and nurture your heart. Let’s explore some of the best tips for creating heart-healthy habits that last a lifetime.
Maintain Healthy Eating Habits
What we eat plays a big role in heart health. Choosing the right foods doesn’t have to be boring or difficult—it can even be delicious and fun!
For Families:
Fill your plates with colorful fruits and vegetables. Try making a rainbow on your plate with different produce.
Swap out unhealthy snacks for heart-friendly ones like air-popped popcorn, nuts, or yogurt with fresh berries.
Limit sugary drinks. Instead, try flavored water with slices of lemon, lime, or cucumber.
For Classrooms:
Organize a “Heart-Healthy Snack Day” where students bring in their favorite healthy snacks to share.
Teach kids to read food labels and identify ingredients that are good for their hearts.
Stay Active
Getting enough exercise is key to keeping our hearts strong. The good news is that staying active can be easy and enjoyable.
For Families:
Make it a goal to move together as a family. Take a walk after dinner, have a dance party, or ride bikes together.
Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity most days of the week.
For Classrooms:
Start the day with short physical activity breaks like jumping jacks, stretching, or a quick round of “Simon Says.”
Organize a “Step Challenge” and track how many steps your class takes in a week.
Manage Stress
Stress affects our hearts, so learning how to manage it is essential.
For Families:
Practice mindfulness together. Try simple breathing exercises or a 5-minute meditation before bedtime.
Create a family tradition of sharing something you’re grateful for each day.
For Classrooms:
Introduce “Mindfulness Minutes” during the school day. This could be a time to sit quietly, breathe deeply, or listen to calming music.
Set up a “Calm Corner” in the classroom where students can go to relax and regroup.
Schedule Regular Check-Ups
Visiting the doctor regularly helps catch any health issues early and keeps everyone on track for a healthy lifestyle.
For Families:
Schedule annual check-ups for the whole family. Talk with your doctor about heart health screenings.
Teach kids that visiting the doctor is a normal and positive part of staying healthy.
For Classrooms:
Invite a local nurse or doctor to visit the classroom for a heart health Q&A session.
Explore Resources
American Heart Association – Tips, recipes, and educational materials.
Million Hearts – Tips, educational information, and resources including the ABCS of Heart Health
Go Red for Women – Information specifically for women and opportunities to donate or volunteer
Taking care of your heart is a lifelong journey, and it’s never too early to start. Let’s commit to making small, heart-healthy changes that will have a big impact. Whether you’re at home with your family or in the classroom with your students, these tips will help you build habits that keep hearts strong and healthy for years to come.