Heart Health Month: This Week’s Small Steps- Move More and Eat Healthier

Congratulations to those who started on the interactive path to increased cardiovascular wellness with Live to the Beat. If you have not yet taken that step, then today is a good time to get moving.  Literally!  Watch this short video for encouragement to begin.

This week Live to the Beat focuses on increasing movement and healthy eating.

Live to the Beat | Move More
Have you heard that physical activity “gets your heart pumping”? Well, it’s true! But it also helps keep your heart strong and healthy for a lifetime. Physical activity can sound like a lot of work, but it doesn’t have to be. You can choose simple activities you enjoy — or find ways to add more movement to things you have to do anyway. Additionally, it’s never too late or the wrong time of year to get started. Check out these tips from the American Heart Association on how to stay active even in cold weather!

Live to the Beat | Eat Healthy
Healthy eating is key to a healthy heart—but it’s not always easy. The good news is that proper nutrition isn’t all or nothing. You don’t need to follow a fad diet or change your whole eating routine overnight. You can start with small changes that work for you to experience benefits like boosting your immunity, strengthening your bones, and helping your digestive system function. 

Want More Information? 

• Read the inspirational story from AARP of Lori’s and James’s fight to recover their health through consistent small steps that included dietary changes and movement.
• Don’t miss these Tips for Keeping Your Heart Healthy After 50.

Move More.

• Since it’s Valentines Day, check out these songs on Spotify. The list was compiled by NOVA colleagues just a couple of years ago. Even swaying to a love song is beneficial movement, so turn them up and dance, dance, dance. 
• Add a few more movement ideas from Today’s Healthy Weight Week Tip For Today: Keep Moving, Friend – Daily Flyer (nvcc.edu).
• Dance with some of the world’s best from the comfort of your own home- on-demand AND at no cost. The Kennedy Center’s Digital Stage is the local gift that keeps giving.
• Watch this video for information on how getting active isn’t just good for your health in the long run — it can help control your blood pressure and blood sugar right away (and for hours afterwards). Just 10 minutes a day can make a difference. Pick an activity you enjoy and get started today.

Eat Healthy.

• Download a copy of the free Keep to the Beat Cookbook onto your mobile device for easy access. Watch recipe creator Chef David Kamen (Culinary Institute of America trained chef and James Beard Foundation award-winning registered dietitian) prepare two yummy recipes. 
• Take advantage of the free healthy recipes NOVA wellness partner Weight Watchers provides.
• Incorporate Meatless Monday tips and reap the benefits of adding more vegetables and fruit to your weekly diet. 

Dive into these resources. Your Health Will Thank You. 

Submitted by:
Dahlia Henry-Tett, HR-Chief Wellness Officer, DHTett@nvcc.edu