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February is Heart Health Month

February 04, 2025

Cardiovascular disease is a leading health concern in Native American communities.

Key risk factors for heart disease include:

  • High blood pressure
  • High blood cholesterol
  • Smoking

Several other medical conditions and lifestyle choices can also put people at a higher risk for heart disease, including:

  • Diabetes
  • Overweight and obesity
  • Unhealthy diet
  • Physical inactivity
  • Excessive alcohol use

Action Steps for Heart Health

  1. Know Your Numbers: Get regular screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels. Early detection can save lives.
  2. Get Moving: Regular physical activity is one of the most important things people can do to improve their health.
  3. Manage Stress: Incorporate mindfulness, meditation, and cultural practices like drumming or singing to help reduce stress.
  4. Quit Smoking: Tobacco use is a significant risk factor for heart disease. Culturally tailored cessation programs can support those looking to quit.
  5. Practice Cultural Traditions: Traditional foods such as salmon, berries and wild plants are naturally low in unhealthy fats and high in nutrients. Dancing, drumming and other cultural social activities can help improve fitness and mental well-being. Sharing stories through storytelling can make health messages more impactful for future generations.

ʔa čəł txʷəl dəgʷi We are here for you

Your health care provider at PTHA can help you reach your heart health goals. Additional programs are available to help you in your heart health journey, including:

Certified Health & Wellness Coach – your advocate throughout your journey, walking you through manageable and attainable goals, and encouraging healthy lifestyle changes.

Tobacco Cessation Program – offering a one-on-one personalized program to help patients quit smoking, vaping and chewing tobacco.

Nutrition and Fitness – helping to increase physical activity and promote healthy eating habits, while embracing our native traditions and culture.

Addictions Counselor – can provide alcohol and substance use disorder treatment, individual, and group therapy.

Heart Health Month is a time to prioritize wellness and encourage healthy lifestyles within our community. Let’s work together to spread awareness and empower our community to take charge of our heart health.

We show our support for heart health on National Wear Red Day!