A Healthy Heart is a Happy Heart

 

“Real food doesn’t have ingredients. Real food IS ingredients.” – Jamie Oliver

 

It’s February, and time for our annual issue to share about healthy hearts as we bask in the glow of cupid and Valentine’s Day.  This month, we’re focusing on integrative approaches to cardiology, diet and exercise and mindful approaches for stress reduction.

 

As much sense as it makes to celebrate healthy heart month in February, my personal healthy heart milestone is two weeks into March, on Pi Day, March 14. On that day just four short years ago, I was blessed to be in the gym, which was the right place at the right time where I received the full benefit of an immediate EMT response and the technological capability of a contemporary Western medicine ER, as a sudden and unforeseen 100 percent blockage in my LAD artery was addressed.

 

I’m certainly blessed to still be here, and grateful that my heart was strong and in good condition despite the sudden blockage. As I’ve regained full strength and the capacity of my cardiovascular system, in addition to my trainer at the gym, the EMTs and the ER doctors, I owe much of my post-incident survival and full recovery to consistently healthy habits and lifestyle decisions that I’ve maintained for decades.

 

Hopefully, neither you nor I will need the EMTs nor the ER anytime in our future. And as a precautionary measure, we can maintain personal responsibility to take good care of overall health and wellness, and in particular our cardiovascular health.

 

This month’s feature story, “The Thriving Heart: Integrative Approaches to Cardiology,” by Carrie Jackson, dives deep into how integrative cardiology treats the whole person, not just the heart. It highlights insights from experts like Dr. Jack Wolfson and Dr. Mimi Guarneri, who share how personalized nutrition, holistic practices and advanced therapies can help prevent cardiovascular disease while optimizing heart health. From the impact of daily habits like diet and movement to cutting-edge methods such as biohacking and advanced diagnostic testing, the article offers a well-rounded exploration of how to keep your heart—and life—thriving.

 

As we move into the “heart” of the year, embrace each day as an opportunity to nurture your heart and soul with intentional choices. Whether it’s a walk in nature, a moment of gratitude or a mindful meal, remember that small actions build the foundation for a long and vibrant life.

 

Here’s to a healthy and happy heart, along with a sprinkle of Cupid’s magic to make us feel good, live simply and laugh more.