Not surprisingly, February is recognized as American Heart Month where awareness is raised around the number one killer of Americans, heart disease. We have heard the benefits of a healthy lifestyle that includes maintaining a healthy weight, being aware of blood pressure, blood sugar & cholesterol numbers & treating if necessary. The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity a week to help prevent heart disease.

Eating better, moving more & decreasing stress are all steps to a healthier lifestyle. Eating more whole foods including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish & lean meats and drinking water are ways to improve your diet. Finding an exercise pattern or activity that you can maintain and enjoy assists in increasing movement. Finding ways to manage stress such as yoga, meditation, centering prayer and certainly getting enough sleep along with connecting to others can assist in handling stress.

As Christians we can expand the definition of a healthy heart. We want our hearts open to give and receive love, to offer forgiveness and grace as well as receive them. Proverbs 4:23 says “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” Keeping a “clean heart” and guarding what we allow into our hearts affects our spiritual life and our health. Just as with our physical heart, spiritual practices help to maintain the strength of our spiritual life. Spending time reading scripture, in prayer and attending worship are a few practices that can enhance our spiritual life. I encourage you to find what fills your heart spiritually and pray that it places your heart in a healthy space.

Peace,
Janet, Director of Pastoral Care