by VAN Board Chair Vickie Snyder
February is National Heart Month, a time to raise awareness about heart health and the importance of prevention, education, and lifestyle choices that help maintain a healthy heart. As part of our commitment to promoting wellness and healthy aging, we’re excited to highlight some heart-healthy activities happening across the Twin Cities this month.
Heart Health Screenings and Educational Sessions
Throughout February, local health organizations are offering free heart health screenings, which include blood pressure checks, cholesterol level testing, and consultations with healthcare professionals. These screenings are an excellent opportunity for older adults to take charge of their heart health and understand their personal risk factors. Be sure to check with local clinics and hospitals to find a screening event near you.
To learn more about heart tests and screenings, including why and when you should get them, visit the helpful article by HealthPartners here: Heart Tests and Screenings: Why, When and How.
Heart-Healthy Cooking Classes
Eating a heart-healthy diet is one of the most important ways to protect your heart. Many local community centers and wellness organizations are hosting heart-healthy cooking classes throughout the month. These classes will teach participants how to prepare delicious meals using whole foods, lean proteins, healthy fats, and fiber. It’s a great way to learn new recipes that not only taste good but also support long-term heart health.
You can also join the virtual nutrition class called “Welcome to Cooking for Heart Health without Sacrificing Flavor!” brought to you by Foodtown Stores and Jacqueline Gomes. This class will show you how to cook heart-healthy meals without compromising on taste. To register, visit the Eventbrite link.
Meeting with a Dietitian for Healthy Heart Foods
Proper nutrition is key to maintaining a healthy heart, and meeting with a registered dietitian can provide personalized guidance on food choices. Hy-Vee is offering a complimentary Discovery Call Session with a Registered Dietitian, where you can discuss heart-healthy foods and meal planning. To sign up for this free session, visit Hy-Vee’s Discovery Call Appointment Link.
Walks and Fitness Classes
Physical activity is essential for maintaining a healthy heart, and there are plenty of opportunities this month to get moving. Several parks and recreation centers in the Twin Cities are organizing walking events and fitness classes focused on cardiovascular health. These activities cater to all fitness levels, from beginners to seasoned exercisers, and provide a fun and supportive way to stay active. Walking with a group or participating in a fitness class is also an excellent way to stay motivated and make new friends along the way.
You can also join the Oakdale Wellness 50+ team for their Winter Wednesday Walks every week at 10 AM at the Oakdale Discovery Center. It’s a great way to enjoy the winter weather, stay active, and connect with others in the community!
Winter Walk & Talk at North Commons Park
Join the Minneapolis Parks Foundation and Melanin in Motion for a Winter Walk & Talk at North Commons Park on February 22. This walk is a great way to get moving while connecting with others and enjoying the winter beauty. Register for the event here.
Wellness 50+ Events to Keep You Moving
Staying active is key to maintaining a healthy heart, and Wellness 50+ has a variety of events designed to keep you moving. From fitness classes to outdoor activities, there are opportunities for everyone to get involved. Check out the upcoming events on the Wellness 50+ calendar and find something that works for you to stay active this month.
The Twin Cities Wellness 50+ group is also offering events throughout February that focus on physical activity, heart health, and wellness. If you’re interested in joining the community for these heart-healthy activities, visit the Wellness 50+ Meetup page to register and participate in upcoming events.
Lifesaving CPR Training
Did you know that knowing CPR can help save lives? In honor of National Heart Month, local organizations are offering CPR training sessions that can teach you how to respond in case of a cardiac emergency. The American Heart Association offers courses in CPR, and we encourage you to take advantage of these life-saving opportunities. To find CPR training sessions in your community, visit the American Heart Association’s website, where you can search for available classes near you.
Lillehei Heart Institute Community Events
The Lillehei Heart Institute is hosting community events this month to help ensure healthy hearts for all. As part of their commitment to heart health, they are also promoting the Every Heart MN campaign. This initiative aims to improve the heart health of Minnesotans through education, screenings, and resources. You can learn more about the campaign and the events associated with it at the Lillehei Heart Institute’s Every Heart MN event page.
Minneapolis Heart Institute Virtual Events
The Minneapolis Heart Institute offers several free virtual events throughout the month focused on heart health. These virtual sessions cover a range of topics, including managing blood pressure, preventing heart disease, and making healthy lifestyle changes. Check out their event offerings at Minneapolis Heart Institute Events to register for these free online sessions and gain valuable heart health insights from the experts.
Join Us in Celebrating Heart Health
We encourage everyone to take part in one or more of these events this month to prioritize your heart health and learn how to live longer, healthier lives. Whether you participate in a screening, a fitness class, a CPR training, or a cooking session, each step you take is a step toward a healthier heart.
In addition to these highlighted activities, there are many other heart-healthy offerings available across the Twin Cities. From community fitness programs to free heart health education, there’s something for everyone. Let’s make this National Heart Month the start of a new, heart-healthy chapter for you!
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