Small Steps to Improve Heart Health for Heart Month (February)

Submitted by Durham Tech Library on
heart: a history by sandeep jauhar
The Man who Touched His Own Heart: True Tales of Science, Surgery, and Mystery by Rob Dunn
atlas of the heart: mapping meaningful connection and the language of human experience by brené brown, read by the author

We may be reaching the end of February and American Heart Month, but we can pump out a month-end blog post.

(That pun was weak. I know. Let's not talk about it, okay?)

Take charge of your heart health. Take small steps to prevent heart disease and stroke. millionhearts.hhs.gov/livetothebeat

This year's theme is "Live to the Beat," which aims to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in Black adults ages 35 to 54 by taking small steps to address key risk factors such as hypertension, high blood pressure, and high blood sugar.

Some tips?

  • Get moving! Just 10 minutes a day to get started can have a positive impact! [YouTube video: "Move More for a Healthy Heart"]
  • Know and watch your cholesterol levels! Adding more fiber and reducing saturated fats can reduce cholesterol levels or help keep healthy levels in check! [YouTube video: "Keep Your Cholesterol In Check"]
  • Work with your doctor or medical professional! Having a qualified medical professional's advice can be invaluable to keeping your heart healthy! [YouTube video: "Rx for a Healthy Heart"]
Common Heart Attack Warning Signs: Pain or discomfort in chest; Lightheadedness, nausea, or vomiting; Jaw, neck, or back pain; Discomfort or pain in arm or shoulder; Shortness of breath (American Heart Association infographic)

It's also helpful to review the common signs of a heart attack and know that these symptoms may differ between men and women.

If in doubt, get help. Minutes matter.

Keep reading for some Library resources to learn more about the heart and circulatory system, including a virtual 3D model of the circulatory system for those pursuing health science degrees or those just heart-curious.

For those of you who are current or future medical or research professionals or just casually curious about the circulatory system (and other human body systems), the Durham Tech Library provides access to Anatomy.tv.

Check out the Cardiovascular System or any of the other modules that pique your interest.

Create your own profile or log in as a guest to view Anatomy.tv database materials. From home, login using your Durham Tech username and password (same as Self-Service or Sakai or the beginning of your Durham Tech email address).

The Library also has a few books on the heart and the circulatory system, in this case, two literal and one figurative (because mental health "heart" matters, too!)

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