American Heart Month – 5 Fitness Tips to Reduce the Risk of Heart Disease

February is American Heart Month, a timely opportunity to share practical tips for reducing the risks of heart disease – the leading cause of death in America.

Tallgrass Creek Fitness Coordinator Camin Bell shares five practical steps for people of all ages, including the nation’s rapidly growing senior population, can take to improve their heart health.

• Embrace a Heart-Healthy Diet – Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and limit sodium and added sugars.
• Engage in Regular Physical Activity – Aim for at least 3 hours of moderate exercise per week, such as walking or swimming.
• Monitor and Manage Health Conditions – Keep blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes under control with regular checkups.
• Prioritize Quality Sleep – Strive for 7–8 hours of restful sleep each night to support overall cardiovascular health.
• Manage Stress – Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or gentle yoga to reduce strain on the heart.

Camin Bell has coordinated fitness classes at Tallgrass Creek, an Erickson Senior Living community in Overland Park, Kansas since 2015. Before coming to Tallgrass Creek, she performed for 17 years in a dance company in the Pacific Northwest and implemented exercise programs at a retirement community in Seattle.

Tallgrass Creek offers residents an integrated health and wellness model at an exceptional value. With extensive on-site amenities including a fitness center, pool, medical center, multiple dining venues, and a wide range of wellness programs, residents have abundant opportunities to support and enhance both their physical and mental well-being. For more information, visit TallgrassCreek.com.