Note: we did not say train for an Ironman competition. Keep it simple and do what you like. Walk in the park you love, dance with your besties, create a simple set of exercises you can do while you watch your favorite show on TV, or go ahead and train for an Ironman if that’s your thing. 

Find four new heart healthy recipes to try throughout the next month. If you need a place to start, check out Delicious Heart Healthy Living or sign up for a cooking class at The Second Harvest Kitchen, Wanderlust Delicato, or The Kitchen Engine. Make it a family cooking night or have a heart healthy potluck with a few friends.

Set a daily reminder for five minutes of relaxation and deep breathing. Stress can cause high blood pressure which is not good for the heart. Find a quiet place without distractions where you can relax your body and take some deep breaths.

Create an evening routine that will help you relax and get to bed on time. This might include a yoga routine, turning screens off at a certain time, or story time with the family. The key is to go to bed at about the same time every night. Remember, getting enough sleep is not a luxury, it’s a necessity.

Both diseases can increase risk for heart complications, and vaccinations are the best way to prevent infection. It also makes you less likely to infect others, which protects the hearts around you too.