Your heart works hard for you every day—let’s return the favor! February is American Heart Month, and it’s the perfect time to focus on cardiovascular health. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the U.S., but many risk factors are preventable through routine screenings, healthy habits, and stress management.
Why Heart Disease?
preventable through lifestyle choices and early detection. American Heart Month serves as a reminder to take proactive steps toward better heart health, including:
- Maintaining a Healthy Diet – Incorporate more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins while reducing processed foods and added sugars. Pro-tip: Include food groups that make your plate as colorful as possible!
- Staying Active – Engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, such as brisk walking, cycling, or yoga.
- Managing Stress – Practice mindfulness techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or journaling to reduce stress levels.
- Routine Check-Ups – Regular health screenings can detect high blood pressure, cholesterol issues, or other heart disease risk factors early on.
How Benefits at K Relates
At Kalamazoo College, we are committed to supporting your well-being. As part of our employee benefits package, you have access to a variety of free preventive care services that can help you stay on top of your heart health:
- Blood Pressure Screenings – High blood pressure is a silent risk factor for heart disease. Get checked regularly!
- Cholesterol & Diabetes Testing – These screenings help detect early warning signs of heart disease.
- Weight & Nutrition Counseling – Get guidance on heart-healthy eating habits.
- Smoking Cessation Programs – Resources are available to help you quit smoking for good.
- Mental Health Support – Managing stress is key to heart health. Counseling services are included in your benefits.
Next Steps
Your health matters—take a proactive step toward a stronger heart today! If you have any questions about your wellness benefits, reach out to hr.benefits@kzoo.edu.
🩺 Schedule Your Free Preventive Screenings
Make an appointment with your healthcare provider for your annual heart health check-up. Most screenings are fully covered under our preventive care benefits.
🚶 Join the 10K Steps a Day Challenge!
Stay active and reduce your heart disease risk by taking 10,000 steps per day. Track your progress and stay motivated with coworkers!
🥗 Explore Heart-Healthy Dining Options
Visit the cafeteria to check out heart-smart meal options that support cardiovascular health. Pro-Tip: Ensure your plate contains a colorful array of food.
💡 Learn More
Log in to asrhealthbenefits.com to review your preventive care benefits and find in-network providers for heart health screenings.
References
- American Heart Association. (2025). “Life’s Essential 8: Your Checklist for Heart Health.” Retrieved from www.heart.org.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025). “Heart Disease Facts.” Retrieved from www.cdc.gov.