February is a month that reminds us to celebrate love, but one of the most important kinds of love is taking care of your own heart. Your heart works every minute of every day, and small, consistent habits can make a meaningful difference in keeping it healthy for years to come.
At T&F Pharmacies, we believe heart health should feel simple and achievable. Here are practical ways to support your heart this month and beyond.
A heart-healthy diet doesn’t require extreme changes. Focus on building meals around:
Fruits and vegetables
Whole grains like oats, brown rice, and quinoa
Lean proteins such as fish, chicken, beans, and legumes
These foods provide fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support healthy cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and weight management. Even small changes — like adding one extra serving of vegetables per day or swapping refined grains for whole grains — can have a positive impact over time.
You don’t need an intense fitness routine to protect your heart. Simple, consistent movement is powerful. Activities like walking, light stretching, or gentle exercise at home can improve circulation, strengthen your heart muscle, and help manage blood pressure.
Aim for about 20–30 minutes of activity most days of the week. The key is consistency. Find something you enjoy so it becomes part of your regular routine.
Chronic stress and lack of sleep can negatively affect heart health. Stress can contribute to elevated blood pressure and inflammation, while poor sleep has been linked to higher risks of heart disease.
Try incorporating relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or quiet time before bed. Creating a calming nighttime routine and aiming for 7–8 hours of quality sleep each night can significantly benefit your overall cardiovascular health.
For many individuals, lifestyle habits are only one part of heart health. Cholesterol-lowering medications are often prescribed to reduce LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and help prevent heart attacks and strokes.
If you have been prescribed medication for cholesterol or blood pressure:
Take it exactly as directed
Do not stop taking it without consulting your healthcare provider
Speak with your pharmacist if you have questions about side effects or timing
Medication management is an important part of preventing long-term complications, and our pharmacy team is always here to review your prescriptions and answer questions.
Certain nutrients also play a supportive role in cardiovascular health. Magnesium helps maintain normal heart rhythm and supports healthy blood pressure levels.
Potassium is important for proper heart rhythm and muscle function. Most people can meet their potassium needs through diet, including foods like bananas, leafy greens, beans, and other fruits and vegetables. Supplements should only be taken if recommended by a healthcare professional.
Before starting any supplement, speak with one of our pharmacists to ensure it is safe and appropriate for your individual health needs.
Caring for your heart does not require perfection, it requires consistency. Balanced meals, daily movement, stress management, quality sleep, and proper medication use all work together to protect your heart.
This February, let heart health be part of how you show love to yourself and to the people who depend on you. If you have questions about heart medications, supplements, or lifestyle support, stop by T&F Pharmacies. Our team is here to help you take confident steps toward a healthier heart.
