How to keep your heart healthy

February is American Heart Month, a chance to raise awareness about heart disease, which is the leading cause of death for both men and women.

An estimated 82 million Americans suffer from some form of cardiovascular disease. One in four Americans have heart-related problems.

So, what are some steps you can take to keep your heart healthy?

Robert Gordon, a cardiologist at NorthShore University HealthSystem, offers the following heart health tips:

Get on a regular exercise plan: Even walking 30-45 minutes daily can be helpful and is better than doing nothing.

Eat healthier: Eat more fruits and vegetables and stay away from processed foods. According to the federal government's My Plate guidelines, half your plate should be fruits and vegetables.

Rest: Reduce stress in your life and get the appropriate amount of sleep, usually between 7-8 hours. Too little sleep and even too much sleep can be unhealthy.

Maintain a healthy weight: Keep your weight stable and try to avoid weight gain, especially as you get older.

Move more: Besides regular exercise, make an effort to move more. Studies show that people who sit at their desks for the better part of a day and those that watch 4+ hours of television daily are at significantly higher risk for heart disease.

Laugh: A good laugh causes blood vessels to dilate by 22 percent, increasing blood flow & reducing blood pressure.

Companionship: People who have dogs have reported lower blood pressure numbers, less stress and weight loss benefits. Marriage has shown a positive correlation with a healthy heart.

• On Wednesday, Feb. 24, check out the Daily Herald Food section for heart-healthy recipes and the Suburban Parent section for more stories about American Heart Month.