By Dr. Stan Headley, natural health consultant for Cypress Pharmacy

As we navigate busy schedules and the stressors of day-to-day life, many of us struggle to be kind to our hearts when it comes to prioritizing health. Unfortunately, there are no magic pills or quick-fix solutions – a heart-healthy lifestyle requires care and commitment. February marks American Heart Month, a perfect time to step forward with a healthier approach.

Every year, heart disease remains the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. Fortunately, there are many natural ways to strengthen your heart and reduce your risk of developing heart disease.

Ninety percent of the nearly 18 million heart disease cases worldwide could be prevented by people adopting a healthier diet, doing regular exercise, and not smoking, according to Cleveland Clinic. Now is the time to make essential lifestyle and dietary changes to live a longer, healthier life.

Consider these tips for better heart health:

1. One of the most important steps you can take is to stop smoking. Smoking increases your risk of developing heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases. Quitting smoking can reduce your risk of heart disease and improve your overall health.
2. Eating healthier is another important step. A balanced diet that is low in saturated fat and cholesterol can help lower your cholesterol levels. Eating plenty of fruit, vegetables and whole grains can also help improve your heart health.
3. Lowering cholesterol is a great way to reduce your risk of developing heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases. Eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly can help you keep your levels in check. Often, high cholesterol doesn’t have symptoms until a problem arises, so it’s important to have a blood test to reveal your levels.
4. Another major way to improve your heart health is to get active. Exercise can improve your heart’s ability to pump blood and reduce your risk of high blood pressure. Try to aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each day.
5. Maintaining a healthy weight is also key for a healthier heart. Being overweight puts you at risk for high cholesterol, high blood pressure and insulin resistance, factors that heighten your risk of heart disease.
6. Managing diabetes is vital to preventing serious medical conditions. Data from the National Heart Association shows more than 65% of people with diabetes will die from heart disease or stroke. If you have prediabetes, losing at least 7% of body weight and exercising 2.5 hours per week can reduce the risk of progressing to diabetes.
7. Finally, taking targeted supplements can help support heart function. Omega-3 fatty acids, such as those found in fish oil, can help lower your cholesterol levels and reduce your risk of heart disease. Other supplements, such as CoQ10 and magnesium, can also help improve your heart health.

Improving your health is not a one-size-fits-all approach. It’s important to get regular checkups to monitor blood pressure, cholesterol levels and other risk factors to identify potential problems before they become serious. Be sure to discuss your lifestyle changes and nutritional supplements with a qualified health care professional, doctor or pharmacist, especially if you take prescription medications.