The Friday Five - Happy Valentine's Day & Happy Heart Month

Happy Valentine’s Day and Happy Heart Month! Did you know heart disease is the No. 1 killer worldwide? In February the American Heart Association sponsors American Heart Month to raise awareness about heart disease and how people keep their heart healthy. On this Valentine’s Day our Friday Five supports the initiative and provides some tools and resources to help keep our hearts happy.

Valentine’s Chocolate, Heart Healthy or Not?
Find out if that box of chocolates your Valentine gave you has any health benefits. This story is part of Eat It or Leave It?, an American Heart Association series that provides a closer look at the pros and cons associated with certain foods and drinks – and cooking options if you decide to eat them.

Experts say it’s less about the occasional small indulgence and more about making good everyday food choices. https://t.co/SXaKINxo5l

— American Heart Assoc (@American_Heart) February 13, 2020

HF Path App
The HF Path App is a self management tool that empowers heart failure patients to better manage and live with their condition.

Understanding heart failure is the key to managing it. So do your part and know your heart to take an active role in maintaining heart health. Our free HF Path app is here to help. #RiseAboveHF #HFWeek2020HF https://t.co/5Xl1AqKz93 pic.twitter.com/xlnW3KFDwn

— American Heart Assoc (@American_Heart) February 10, 2020

Processed vs. ultra-processed food, and why it matters to your health
According to the AHA The difference between “processed” and “ultra-processed” foods might sound like an issue best left to linguists or hungry English teachers. But for the sake of your health, it’s worth understanding.

The differences between processed and ultra-processed food can make a difference to your health. #EatSmart https://t.co/ZYD56NOAcj

— American Heart Assoc (@American_Heart) February 9, 2020

US Congresswomen Have a Heart
The women of the US Congress show their support for heart health and wear red. Where are the men?

Thank you to the women in Congress who wore red in support of women’s heart health! #GoRedforWomen #HeartMonth ❤️❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/rL6kbdkGkL

— GoRedforWomen (@GoRedForWomen) February 13, 2020

NHLBI and The Heart Truth Join Forces
Each February, NHLBI (@nih_nhlbi) and The Heart Truth® celebrate American Heart Month by motivating Americans to adopt healthy lifestyles to prevent heart disease. Research shows that we’re more successful at meeting personal health goals when we join forces with others.That’s how the #OurHearts movement was born, a national initiative to encourage people to be heart healthy together. Get Involved!

Each week of Heart Month we’ll be focusing on how #OurHearts can stay healthy with the power of social support. This week we’re focusing on healthy eating. Share your favorite heart healthy recipes using #OurHearts! https://t.co/pO51MI36DG pic.twitter.com/zhJXQInNAl

— The Heart Truth (@TheHeartTruth) February 10, 2020