Your Health: What’s good for your heart is good for your brain

We’re celebrating that February is American Heart Month. Locally, our efforts in the community focus on prevention with health education – talking about ways to stay healthy by being active, eating healthy, knowing your numbers. We also work to equip people to respond to cardiac events – by providing AEDS and CPR training. We have a small community of health educators who often support more than one effort. In Barnes County, we are also working to support the work of the healthy brain initiative, so it’s only natural for us to make the connection that “what’s good for your heart is also good for your brain.”

The healthy habits that you develop to protect against heart disease are also beneficial for brain health. Let’s talk about the healthy habits that all add up to support both your heart health and your brain health: Be physically active.

Quit smoking – this includes vaping.

Take care of your heart health – if you have high blood pressure or diabetes, keep them managed.

Eat a healthy and balanced diet lower in fat and higher in fruits and vegetables. Get enough sleep.

Take care of your mental health, some studies link a history of depression with an increased risk of cognitive decline, so seek medical treatment if you have symptoms of depression, anxiety or other mental health concerns. Also try to manage stress.

Stay socially engaged.

Stump yourself – challenge and activate your mind.

Whether you are motivated to protect against heart disease, or to support your brain health, the actions you take now can help you in both areas! We have two upcoming events that we are offering in Valley City.

First, if you or a loved one are experiencing memory loss, consider joining the next Sheyenne Valley Memory Café. We meet on Thursday, February 22 from 1:00 to 3:00 PM. Coffee and dessert will be provided. The Sheyenne Valley Memory Café provides connection and conversation for individuals experiencing memory loss, whether that’s from Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia. Support is also available for caregivers and their family members. You can join anytime – there is no cost to join. For more information, follow @sheyennevalleymemorycafe on Facebook or call City-County Health District at 845-8518.

Then, on Monday, February 26, to help community members respond to a cardiac event, CPR, AED and First Aid Certification classes will be held. The class is from 6:00 to 10:00 PM. Classes are held the Health Education Center at CHI Mercy Hospital. Cost is $50. Registration is required, call Alana McClellan at 701-840-1009.

Meghan Velure is a registered nurse working at City-County Health District and a member of the Valley City Cardiac Ready team. Your Health is coordinated by City-County Health District.