Boost Your Heart Health Today

February is officially heart health month. But in reality, why should anyone pay attention?

The reasons are many, especially to raise awareness about what you can personally do to promote the health of your heart today. The health of your heart figures high in the quality of your life, both now and in the future.

Higher quality of life

Healthy hearts and circulatory systems can directly contribute to higher levels of energy and general enjoyment of life, especially as one grows older.

But in my many years as a family physician in southern Indiana, I find that people can too often take the health of their heart for granted, regardless of their age. What’s not good about that? Not taking care of business in eating balanced meals, getting reasonable and regular exercise, and adopting other health steps can take an alarming toll over time.

(This column by Dr. Curtis Thill of Southern Indiana Community Health Care appeared in a number of newspapers in southern Indiana during February 2025. The month also included National Wear Red Day, which helped raise awareness of the No. 1 killer of women, cardiovascular disease. Dr. Thill’s column is also accessible on the SICHC website)

With some exceptions, heart disease typically develops slowly over a long period of time. As you go about your daily routine, nothing seems to be wrong. Then, one day, a sudden radiating pain in your chest, arm, or jaw (or other symptoms) signals that something is going rapidly in the wrong direction. A serious heart attack may be underway, requiring immediate medical attention.

The point to consider, especially in this month? Heart disease remains the leading cause for death in America. That’s the bad news.

The good news is that you can often take action to promote the health of your heart. Doing so involves understanding what risk factors can contribute to heart issues.

Understand the risk factors

At any age – young or old or in-between – it’s very important for people to understand their personal risk factors. Taking action now can help keep your heart in good shape and promote a long and satisfying life. Working alongside a medical provider can help you understand the current condition of your heart and steps you may need to consider. (You can read some good free medical information and view some short videos at https://sichc.org/follow-my-heart/)

An important part of understanding what you face is knowing your own family history. Does heart disease run in your family? If so, you may need to be more attentive and start preventative measures earlier than others.

Risk of heart disease increases as you grow older, with men generally at higher risk than women until a woman reaches menopause. After that, the risk of heart disease is about equal.

Other conditions like high blood pressure/hypertension, high cholesterol, or diabetes also can elevate risk of heart disease.

Strive for a balanced diet

A chief lifestyle change you can make to help boost your heart health is to eat a diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean, low-fat proteins.

Realistically, as a long-time physician living and working in a rural setting, I know from long experience that it can be a challenge to do this. Many people face a challenge in  getting to a grocery store that sells fresh vegetables, and fast food is quick and easy, especially when you have time constraints.

But it’s important to find ways to do this.

Get in some walks and regular activity

Indiana just went through one of its coldest Januarys, but things are improving. Regular moderate exercise helps strengthen your heart and blood circulation, so try to work on this. Remember, sustained small improvements add up quickly.

Get regular checkups

Finding out where you are and monitoring key vital signs like blood pressure remain critically important. Find a medical provider to go with you on this journey and boost your heart health today!

By Curtis Thill, MD

A board-certified family physician, Dr. Curtis Thill has practiced medicine in the Crawford County region for more than 30 years.

Media inquiries – Michael Snyder, MEK Group