Virginia Department of Health Promotes Heart Health  

February is American Heart Month. The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) will promote the month with free, easily accessible activities for all Virginians interested in beginning the process of improving their overall health. VDH has partnered with The Arthritis Foundation to offer Walk with Ease (WWE), a six-week program that provides guided activities and resources via the VDH Walk With Ease for Heart Health registration and resources online portal.

“Adding physical activity into our daily lives is one of the most important steps we can take to keep the heart healthy,” said Patrick Wiggins, heart disease and stroke prevention supervisor for the Division of Prevention and Health Promotion. “WWE participants will receive tools and an e-book through the online portal that will provide instruction on how to exercise in safe and comfortable ways, whether participating as an individual or as part of a group.”

Watch this quick video introducing the Walk with Ease program’s online registration and tracking portal.

WWE is open to all Virginians. You can participate with other Virginians through Monday, March 6, 2023, or there is a self-guided option. The e-book and resources are free and available while supplies last.

“Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States and the leading cause of death in the Commonwealth,” said Dr. Margaret Kadree, clinical specialist, Division of Prevention and Health Promotion. “In 2019, heart disease became the leading cause of death in Virginia. Preliminary analysis shows that heart disease will continue to be the leading cause of death for Virginians in 2022.”

To reduce the risk of heart disease, VDH recommends the following tips:

Choose healthy meals and snacks.  Incorporate lots of fruits and vegetables into your diet, and choose foods lower in sodium and saturated fats. Click here for some heart healthy recipes and check out the MyPlate resources from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.   

Make physical activity a regular part of your day. It is recommended that adults get at least 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week, such as brisk walking, running and bicycling. Learn more about ways to increase your physical activity throughout the day here.  

Take steps to quit smoking by contacting Quit Now Virginia, which offers free telephone or web-based counseling services and Text2Quit support, self-help materials and referrals to local resources. 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) or learn more at the Quit Now Virginia Website. 

Monitor your blood pressure. Read more about ways to prevent and manage blood pressure. Here are some helpful tips for talking with a doctor to manage and monitor your blood pressure.   

For more information about heart disease, visit https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/heart-disease/.

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