Contributed by Morgan A. Owens
I may “sweat pretty” but taking care of my heart health is a serious matter. February is Heart Month, the perfect time to learn about your risk for heart disease and the steps you need to take now to help your heart. Heart disease and stroke is the No. 1 killer in women, and stroke disproportionately affects African–Americans.
If you know my story, you know that I struggled with finding “time” to care of my health. My first business Curvy Cardio was created to help women like me to get moving! To truly love yourself from the inside – out through fitness.
I’ve teamed up The Christ Hospital to bring awareness to Heart Month. The Christ Hospital Health Network, Greater Cincinnati’s Heart Hospital™ wants to encourage everyone to “Find Your Beat” during American Heart Month throughout February. They will be doing that with educational resources, joining the #FindYourBeat movement throughout the month of February, by staying active and taking one of their FREE pop-up cardio-fitness classes at various community locations, or focusing on the music “beats” that get your heart pumping by sharing your favorite dance/workout song for a chance to win a great prize.
Here are some of my favorite things to do to stay #HeartHealthy:
- Find tasty healthy meals on Pinterest
a. Eating healthy does not have to be bland, I’ve learned to swap out my favorite comfort food with healthy alternatives like Buffalo Cauliflower Dip!
- Schedule “self-care” time to workout
a. Give yourself an hour for a couple days a week to get that heart pumpin! You deserve it, make it a family activity.
- Go see my primary doctor for a check up
- Educate myself on the facts and statics on heart disease – know the warning signs
Make sure you mark your calendars, I will be teaching a Curvy Cardio class with deejay, DJ Etrayn on Monday, Feb. 24, 6:30-8:30 p.m., at The Christ Hospital Joint & Spine Center you can register via Facebook (Christ Hospital or Curvy Cardio page) or Eventbrite.
Check out The Christ Hospital Health Network on Facebook and @thechristhospital on Instagram all February long to get plugged in!