It’s American Heart Month 

posted by Amber Brady on February 7, 2024 Group of people walking outdoors

February is American Heart Month and it’s the perfect time to take control of your health for the new year. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. with 1 in 5 deaths attributed to cardiovascular disease in 2021, but there are things you can do to minimize your risk factors. These activities are a good starting point:

Schedule your annual physical: Understanding your health is a great first step to taking care of your heart. At your annual physical you’ll find out your blood sugar, cholesterol, blood pressure and more. Plus, eligible employees and spouses earn $200 in Wellness Rewards from completing their annual physical.

Try meditation: Managing your stress through meditation is a great way to take care of your body and mind. You can try on your own or find a guided mediation online or in person. Even a few minutes a day can make a difference in your stress levels and support heart health.

Get moving: Aim for at least 2.5 hours of physical activity every week. It’s okay to start small by adding 10 or 15-minute activities and building your way up from there. And if you track your physical activity through a device synced to the ActiveHealth portal, eligible employees and spouses can earn $15 for every 30 days at the goal activity level of 10,000 steps or 30 minutes of exercise per day.

Start your journey to quit smoking: Not only will quitting smoking lower your risk of cardiovascular disease and 12 different types of cancer, but eligible employees and spouses can earn $100 in Wellness Rewards by completing ActiveHealth’s six-session Tobacco Cessation program. Get started today.

In addition to these activities to support your heart health, it’s a great time to schedule other preventive care visits. Eligible employees and spouses can earn:

Explore these rewardable activities and others in the ActiveHealth portal.