Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of both men and women in the United Sates. February is National Heart Month, and we’re providing you with some quick tips to improve your heart health.

Quit Smoking

Smoking is not only bad for lung function, but it can affect your heart health. Quitting will decrease your risk of heart attack, stroke and many other health issues.

Improve your Diet

Maintaining a healthy diet is beneficial to your overall health. Simply changing your diet can help stop or even reverse heart disease. Take small steps to alter your current diet.

Here are some basics to get you started:

• Eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and high-fiber foods
• Look for foods low in saturated fat and trans fat
• Lower your salt intake (sodium)
• Balance your caloric intake based on your activity level
• Add fish to your diet – go for two servings a week of oily fish containing omega-3 fatty acids
• Limit foods and drinks that contain added sugar

Be Active

Staying active helps lower your risk of health problems and is great for your heart and blood vessels. Plus, incorporating physical activity into your life helps you feel good. It can also help you reach and maintain a healthy weight.

Get Screened

It’s important to visit your doctor regularly. Getting a screening test can help your doctor diagnose disease sooner so that it’s easier to manage or cure. It’s a good idea to keep an eye on cholesterol levels as well as blood pressure. Speak to your doctor to determine which screening tests may be right for you.                 Credit: muhealth.org