Try celebrating the most important relationship you have — the one between you and heart.

February is the month of love. Walk into any grocery store during the month of February and you will see aisles filled with heart-shaped candies. Walk by any storefront and you’ll likely see pink and red heart-shaped decorations lining the windows. Hearts are an integral part of the month because of Valentine’s Day, but did you also know the month is quite literally dedicated to hearts? And, no, I’m not talking about the kind made of chocolate.

February is National Heart Health Month. Your heart is one of the most important parts of your body, pumping blood and ensuring every organ can work properly.

Your heart serves as a strong, automatic pump in your chest that works nonstop to keep you alive. It pushes blood through your body, sending oxygen and nutrients to your brain, muscles, and organs so they can function properly. First, blood that has already delivered oxygen returns to the heart, which sends it to the lungs to pick up fresh oxygen when you breathe in. Then the heart pumps that refreshed blood back out to the rest of your body. This cycle repeats about 60–100 times a minute when you’re resting, keeping everything running smoothly without you even having to think about it.[1]

Your heart also has a lot to do with your brain, another reason why protecting it is so important. Dr. Monica Parker, Associate Professor in the Department of Neurology at Emory University School of Medicine, explains that, “Heart Health is Brain health. A healthy cardiovascular system ensures that the brain gets the blood flow it needs to function well. High cholesterol and hypertension are factors that limit blood flow to the brain. Lack of blood flow to the brain results in strokes or Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIA’s). Control of hypertension, diabetes, cholesterol and daily aerobic exercise improves blood flow, protecting brain function.”

Ensuring your heart is healthy is imperative if you would like it to keep working as it should. Healthy heart practices come in many different forms. Incorporating the tips below could help protect your heart and your health in the future.

10 simple heart-healthy tips:

1. Move every day – Aim for at least 30 minutes of walking or gentle exercise most days of the week.
2. Eat more fruits and vegetables – Try to fill half your plate with colorful produce.
3. Choose whole grains – Pick whole wheat bread, brown rice, or oatmeal instead of white or refined grains.
4. Limit salt – Too much salt can raise blood pressure, so avoid heavily processed foods and don’t over-salt meals.
5. Cut back on added sugar – Reduce sugary drinks, desserts, and sweets. Check nutritional labels for added sugar.
6. Pick healthy fats – Use olive oil, eat nuts, seeds, and fatty fish such as salmon instead of fried or fatty meats like fried chicken or steak.
7. Maintain a healthy weight – Even losing a small amount of weight can lower heart strain and improve blood pressure.
8. Don’t smoke – If you smoke, quitting is one of the best things you can do for your heart.
9. Manage stress – Practice deep breathing, light stretching, meditation and mindfulness, or spend time with loved ones. Exercise is also a great way to reduce stress.
10. See your doctor regularly – Keep track of important numbers like blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and take any medications as prescribed.

[1] https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/17060-how-does-the-blood-flow-through-your-heart