February 11, 2026

Celebrate American Heart Month with five wellness tips

Healthy food and exercise equipment

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Cardiovascular disease affects millions of families and can dramatically impact quality of life through heart attacks, strokes and long-term health challenges. The encouraging news is that many risk factors can be controlled, and small lifestyle changes can make a big difference.

This February, American Heart Month serves as an important reminder to take better care of our hearts, both for ourselves and for our loved ones.
Here are five simple adjustments you can make to your routine for stronger heart health:

  1. Eat smart for your heart. Fill your plate with a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats such as olive oil or avocado. Limit sodium, saturated fats, added sugars and processed foods.
  2. Move more. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week, such as brisk walking.
  3. Quit tobacco and limit alcohol. Smoking and vaping increase your risk of heart disease. If you use tobacco, make a plan to quit. Limiting alcohol intake also benefits your heart and overall health.
  4. Prioritize sleep. Good sleep is vital for heart health. Most adults need 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night.
  5. Manage stress and stay connected. Chronic stress can contribute to heart problems. Find healthy ways to cope, such as exercise, mindfulness or talking with friends.

Looking for more ways to mark American Heart Month?

Try these heart-lifting activities:

  • Learn CPR. Knowing how to perform CPR can save lives in emergencies. Consider taking a class this month with family, friends or co-workers.
  • Donate blood. Giving blood helps patients facing surgeries, accidents or illnesses, and is needed every day. Blood drives are a great way to give back to your community.
  • Spread awareness. Wear red, share heart health facts on social media or start a workplace wellness challenge. The more we talk about healthy hearts, the more Texans we can reach.

At Texas Mutual, we’re building a stronger, safer and healthier Texas by taking care of hardworking Texans. We encourage all employers to learn how safety and wellness go hand-in-hand and take steps to help employees invest in their health.

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