Heart-shaped boxes of chocolate, colorful stuffed animals and flowers lining store shelves are a reminder that we’ve entered the month of love. But Harbin Clinic wants you to know you’ve always been our Valentine and we’re invested in your heart.

February is National Heart Health Month and it’s the prime time to make changes to keep your ticker ticking. Taking small steps to show your heart a little love can create healthy habits for your everyday life. Complete health includes many different aspects of living, including eating habits, exercise, sleep and monitoring your body.

Here at Harbin Clinic, we care completely for your heart health and we’re feeling the beats of complete care throughout Northwest Georgia. So, since there are 14 days until Valentine’s Day, here are 14 hacks for a happy, healthy heart.

Keep track… then snack

Track your blood pressure at home fun and keep a daily log. Treat yourself to a healthy snack when you maintain the recommended levels of 120/80 mmHg.

Kick the habit

Smoking is one of the main causes of coronary heart disease. After one year of quitting, your risk for a heart attackfalls to roughly half that of a smoker. Need help? We have a free workshop for that.

Eat more oranges

Oranges contain cholesterol-fighting pectin fiber, as well as potassium, which helps control blood pressure.

Pump it up

Thirty minutes of cardio a day helps you lose weight, boosts your respiratory health, improves your sleep pattern and enhances your cardiovascular health.

Grill up some salmon

Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, salmon can reduce blood pressure and blood clotting.

Catch some Z’s

Chronic lack of sleep can lead to many health problems, including heart disease. Adults need seven to nine hours and teens need about 10 hours.

Munch on berries

Blueberries, raspberries and strawberries contain anti-inflammatory properties, which can reduce your risk of heart disease.

Just breathe

Research shows that meditation lowers blood pressure and improves blood flow to the heart.

Slice an avocado

They’re rich in healthy fats and allow for the absorption of beta-carotene and lycopene that are essential for heart health.

Beets help the beat

Beetroot juice is one of the richest dietary sources of nitrates, which help improve blood flow and heart health.

Treat yo’self!

Dark chocolate is packed with flavonoids, which are powerful antioxidants that promote heart health. Attempt to limit your serving size to a small square.

Spice it up

Cooking with heart healthy substitutes like garlic, ginger and rosemary helps your heart health.

Cut the saturated fats

These foods include fatty meats, lard, cream, butter and cheese. Choosing lean cuts of meat and lowering fatty dairy products can contribute to a healthy heart.

Find your balance

Being overweight can increase your risk of heart disease. Stick to a healthy, balanced diet low in fat and sugar, with plenty of fruit and vegetables, combined with regular physical activity.

Harbin Clinic encourages you to listen to your heart when it comes to your wellness. We established the first comprehensive cardiovascular program in the region, and today, it’s pumping more strongly than ever.  With 30+ cardiovascular providers working in 4 hospitals, serving 75+ zipcodes, we care completely for the 753,032 hearts of NWGA.