Embrace Your Heart Blog

10 Ways to Celebrate Heart Month

It's here!  February is Heart Month, my biggest month of the year.  As I travel the country encouraging women to embrace their hearts, I encourage you to embrace yours -- here are some ideas:

1.        Well, wear red! February 2 is National Wear Red Day.  Join thousands of women (and men) across the country in calling attention to the issue of women and heart disease by wearing the color of passion.  Wear red lipstick, nail polish, a dress, as sweater or a scarf – or shoes!  Make your own fashion statement.
2.        Take a picture and make a statement. The American Heart Association is compiling a HEART for Women Photo Petition.  Help support this very important piece of legislation. Visit the Petition Site and see everyone who has already participated.
3.        Do something indulgent.  Schedule a massage or a pedicure.  Make time for a special dinner with the one you love.  Draw a bubble bath or sleep in – you deserve it!
4.        Make plans to attend a Go Red event. Visit the event site to find out when a Go Red event is planned in your area.
5.        Take a walk. We’ve had quite the cold snap here, but even in cold weather it is good to get outside.  Breathe in some fresh air and fight the cabin fever!
6.        Make a donation. Help the American Heart Association make a difference.  Your dollars make a difference in the lives of people just like me and my family.  And, if you wouldn’t mind could you help out my daughters by supporting their school's Jump Rope for Heart efforts?  You can visit Grace and Callie Jo’s donation pages to make an on-line donation – thanks! (Yes, unflinching solicitation on my daughters, behalf – it’s shameful)
7.        Tell some one you love them, but don’t use words.  Do something sweet for a family member or friend – just because.  A lovely little surprise like coffee in bed or a small kindness will make that person’s day – and yours.
8.        Breathe free. If you smoke, make heart month the month you find the courage to stop.  About.com offers some great tips on quitting.
9.        Get involved. Want to make a difference?  Join the You’re the Cure advocacy efforts.  Sign up on line and you’ll receive information about legislation in your state as well as nationally and locally.  Every voice counts!
10.        Know your numbers.  If you don’t know your blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and BMI, make an appointment today.  Being informed about your health makes it possible for you to have choices.

How ever you choose to celebrate, have a great Heart Month!

Find more inspiration at www.RedDressLady.com

Sane New Years Resolutions

How long do your New Year’s resolutions last? A few weeks? A few months? It is often hard to keep a resolution – sometimes because we defeat ourselves from the start by making too large of a commitment.

Resolutions are really commitments to ourselves. Things we choose to change or do to improve our lives. Yet, making too large of a commitment can be far too difficult. Making a smaller commitment you can keep on a daily basis may be much more successful.

For example resolving to lose 50 pounds may be too large of a commitment. However, resolving to cut out fast food lunches and make healthier choices at that meal is something you can do on a daily basis.

Making one small commitment and keeping it every day can make a large difference in your health and the way you feel about yourself. Success feels good. Remember, though, it is about building up days and reaching the end of the year. If you slip up – don’t get discouraged. Start again and keep building up the days.

Also, don’t forget to celebrate your success; it will help keep you motivated. When you reach a week, do something nice for yourself. After a month, make sure to reward your good work.

Here are some ideas for resolutions, which can make a difference in your health

• Have more fiber at breakfast
• Eat fish once a week
• Get 30 minutes of exercise or 10,000 steps every day
• Have a glass of red wine (just one) with dinner
• Take 5 minutes each day to relax, breathe and think about the good things in your life
• Smoke 1 less cigarette than the day before

Celebrate the success of your small commitment to yourself!