From how you use your heart to how you care for it, there are many reasons to be aware of your heart health each February. During this month of love, we think about ways to share our love and spread joy to others. At the same time, we raise awareness about the importance of investing in our mental health and managing it every day so we can continue to show love to others.

keep your heart healthy

For 100 years, the American Heart Association has raised awareness, conducted research and given hope to people with heart disease. Although mortality rates from cardiovascular disease have decreased over the years, heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States. Jessica Bleich, a registered nurse at Trinity Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation, says daily exercise is important for heart and vascular health because it helps maintain a healthy weight, prevent atherosclerosis, and lower blood pressure. It states that there is.

“Walking is the simplest exercise that most people do every day.” Bleich said. “Simple things like parking further away from the door or taking the stairs instead of the elevator can add walking to your daily routine without effort. Spend 10 minutes with friends or family before or after dinner. Taking a 15-minute walk can also help increase your daily activity.”

According to the American Heart Association, “8 Essentials of Life” Helps improve an individual’s cardiovascular health. This includes managing your cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels, maintaining a healthy weight, physical activity, sleep health, and smoking cessation.

“Knowing your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels and treating elevated numbers can help keep your heart healthy.” Bleich said. “Controlling these numbers can save your life.”

Daily stress and stress in life can also have a negative impact on our mind and spirit. Spend 10 minutes each day doing something fun that calms your mind and manages stress, like reading, listening to music, gardening, or relaxing in the bath. By taking these steps to keep your heart healthy, you can celebrate your heart in a different way. For example, showing love and care to those around you.

Show love and invest in your employees

Patience, kindness, gratitude, and compassion are some ways we can use our hearts to give and receive love from others. UnityPoint Health is celebrating Valentine’s Day and You Matter Day on February 14th. This day is a day to show love to your team members and recognize how great they are. We continue to invest in our team members so they can reach their full potential and be the best they can be.

One way to show your employees how important they are is to provide professional learning opportunities. The McKinsey Connected Leaders Academy is a global professional development program designed specifically for team members of color with management or leadership roles or aspirations. Dr. Sharmini Suria of Hospital Medicine joins the Executive Leadership Track and focuses on the strength of diversity and his DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) to be more proactive in recruiting and retaining talent I was able to realize how important it is to create a workplace that is inclusive.

“Through this program, I had a unique opportunity to connect with and learn from other people who are passionate about DEI.” said Suriya. “UnityPoint Health has taken the lead by prioritizing DEI initiatives and offering McKinsey leadership training opportunities. We are grateful for our commitment to continue investing in the future with our employees and our organization. .”

Jessica Torruella, clinic supervisor for family medicine at UnityPoint Clinic in Buena Vista, says her biggest takeaway from McKinsey Academy was reimagining how people listen. By listening to understand rather than thinking of a response, she tends to communicate more meaningfully and effectively, promoting better relationships and mutual understanding.

“I believe UnityPoint Health is investing in my future. Joining McKinsey Academy has given me the opportunity to expand my knowledge and skills in management and problem solving.” Torruella said. “I had the opportunity to meet with colleagues from various UnityPoint Health markets and have an open and honest discussion about what is going on and the work being done to improve it.”

Denesha Lloyd, a registered nurse in UnityPoint Clinic Obstetrics and Gynecology, completed the Management Accelerator Program, where she learned management skills, leadership abilities and mindset, basic communication and language skills, and personal growth.

“I utilize all the skills I currently have in my leadership role on a daily basis.” Lloyd said. “The McKinsey Academy is extremely beneficial for all individuals, especially young leaders looking to grow both personally and professionally.”

Celebrating our amazing people, investing in them, and providing lifesaving care to our communities is what I truly love about UnityPoint Health. We care about many hearts, both as employees and as patients. As your health partner, we will continue to offer personalized stroke and vascular screening tests through Trinity Healthy Living and Trinity Cardiovascular Lab. In addition, we have planned walking paths within Trinity to allow individuals to walk through climate-controlled spaces. To become a hall walker, call 515-574-6350 or to learn more about stroke and vascular screening, call 515-574-6175.

The most important thing is to see your doctor at least once a year and follow up if you have any heart concerns. By having a healthy mind, eating healthy, being active, and reducing stress, you can continue to enjoy life’s special moments and make a difference in the lives of those around you.

Leah Glasgo is Fort Dodge Market President for UnityPoint Health.