February is American Heart Month, and not just because Valentine’s Day is right in the middle of the month. Now that our New Year’s resolutions have worn off, we need a reminder that health should be a focus every day of the year. According to the CDC, 715,000 Americans have a heart attack and 600,000 people die from heart disease every year. Indeed, heart disease is the leading killer of men and women in the US. But, studies suggest that simple changes leading to a drop in excess body fat can dramatically reduce risk of a heart attack.

So how can you live healthier? Simple: Eat well and exercise. That’s it. There is no magic pill, drink, or cream. You need ten minutes of planning and ten minutes of doing. When you visit the grocery store, instead of heading down the candy, chip or soda aisle, head to the produce section. Grab some pears, lettuce, carrots, and anything else you like, then, fill your lunch and your fruit bowl. This simple change can save you hundreds of calories over a week. Next, take ten minutes to be more active. Getting off the couch burns calories, and studies show us that if we get active for ten minutes, those ten minutes often turn into twenty. So what are you waiting for? Love your heart!