Dallas Proud

A Matter of the Heart The month of February is all about the heart. Not only do we celebrate Valentine’s Day, but it’s also National Heart Health Month – a month dedicated to raising awareness about heart disease and how to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States, accounting for approximately 1 in every 4 deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). About half of all Americans have at least one of the three key risk factors for heart disease: high blood pressure, high cholesterol or smoking, CDC reports. Most people think of “safety” as accident prevention, but there is another side of safety – including preventive care and wellness. Studies have shown that an employee’s well-being has a significant influence on productivity, performance, and engagement. The Postal Service provides a Wellness page, available on the USPS LiteBlue employee website, which promotes a healthy lifestyle through newsletters, webinars, and videos. Here are a few simple ways you can help prevent heart disease: • Schedule a visit with your doctor to talk about heart health. It’s important to schedule regular check-ups, even if you think you are not sick. • Add exercise to your daily routine. Start off the month by walking 15 minutes, three times each week. By mid-month, increase your time to 30 minutes, three times each week. • Increase healthy eating. Cook heart-healthy meals at home at least three times each week and make your favorite recipe lower sodium. • Take steps to quit smoking. If you currently smoke, quitting can cut your risk for heart disease and stroke. You are the most valuable asset in our organization. We care about your welfare, which is why safety remains a core value for the Dallas District. When it comes to making lifestyle modifications, it’s a personal decision, and requires a commitment to make these improvements. A healthier lifestyle starts with you.