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There's no better time than during Heart Month to get to know your heart a little better (and learn a few ways to keep it healthy)! After all, it's the only one you have. The most important step you can take to protect your heart is understanding your own individual risks for heart disease. 

Take a free heart health risk assessment.

Pop quiz: Fill the blank with the best answer: Food is_________.

1. Nutrition
2. Fuel
3. Comfort
4. Celebration
5. A link to our culture and roots
6. All the above

You're probably thinking, if it's a dietician asking the question, the answer should be numbers one or two, but you know in your heart, the answer is number six, and you're right! There are many reasons we make the food choices that we do, and nutrition is only one of them. 

If you're looking to lower your risk of heart disease as you age, there is great news ahead! Research indicates you can lower your risk by improving your cardiovascular fitness, even as you age. Cardiovascular fitness is a powerful predictor of health and longevity, so powerful it can reduce the risks from having other risk factors. That is powerful stuff! 

"A glass of wine will help me relax." All too often people say this as a way to cope with the stress of everyday life. Phrases like, "It takes the edge off," and "Just one beer" shouldn't become your mantra when trying to unwind after a tough day at the office or a long night with the kids. Anxiety and alcohol use are often connected. Many times, people drink to relax and reduce anxiety, and in some instances, chronic alcohol abuse can lead to anxiety. 

So what can you do without reaching for the bottle of wine? 

The sun is out, the weather is great, the pools and beaches are open, and the ice cream trucks are out in full force. But while air conditioners crank on all across the country, most people aren't thinking about the importance of blood donation; a simple action with huge benefits. 

As you or your loved one get older, falls may be something that you have to plan for. Falls happen for many reasons - stiff joints, vision changes, illness or a medication that affects balance. So what can you do to help put your mind at ease and help ensure the safety of your family?

You’ve tried compression socks and other home remedies, but your varicose veins are still painful, never mind you don’t like how they look. Can vein ablation help?