February is Heart Health Month! Nutrition is a good place to start when considering changes to improve the health of your heart. Below are ten tips, from our friends at the American Heart Association, to begin your journey to a healthier heart.
A word of advice from medical providers, you don’t have to jump in with both feet! Make small, incremental changes – it will be easier to make the change a healthy habit. You can add in additional changes slowly and before you know it – you’ve conquered some unhealthy eating habits! Of course, you should always follow the advice of your own healthcare provider when it comes to specifics about your individual situation!
10 Things You Can Do For A Healthy Heart
- Balance calories with physical activity.
- Reach for a variety of fruits and vegetables.
- Choose whole grains.
- Include healthy protein sources, mostly plants and seafood.
- Use liquid non-tropical plant oils.
- Choose minimally processed foods.
- Subtract added sugars
- Cut down on salt.
- Limit alcohol.
- Do all this wherever you eat!
Related Posts
Food Pantry Resources
Food Resources for Patients & Families Below are community food programs in Polk, Marshall, and Story counties. We’ll keep this page updated as information changes. You may also visit other resources list featured in the buttons bellow for more updated and...
Breast Cancer Basics: What to Know and How to Get Screened
Learn when to start mammograms, what to expect, and how PHC can help—Medicaid accepted and sliding fee scale available. Find a clinic and schedule today.
Healthy Snacks That Actually Keep You Full (Budget-Friendly Ideas)
Need a snack that lasts? Try protein- and fiber-rich ideas like yogurt + berries, veggies + hummus, popcorn, and more—simple, low-cost tips inside.
Menopause 101: Symptoms, Relief, and How PHC Can Help
Hot flashes, sleep changes, vaginal dryness? Learn simple relief options—non-hormonal and hormonal—and how PHC can help. Medicaid accepted; sliding fee available.
Suicide Prevention Month: Use Your PHC Visit to Start the Conversation
September is Suicide Prevention Month. If you’re a PHC patient, you can start a mental health conversation during any visit—medical or dental. If you need immediate help, call or text 988 for free, confidential support 24/7. Why bring this up at your medical or dental...
Feeling Down? Your Mouth Might Be the Reason
Your Teeth and Your Mind: How Oral Health Affects Mental Health Taking care of your teeth doesn’t just help your smile—it can also help your mood and mental health. When your mouth feels good, you’re more likely to feel good, too. The Connection Between Mouth and Mind...
Big Teeth, Big Responsibility: Helping Kids Care for Their New Permanent Teeth
When kids start getting their permanent teeth, it’s more than just a milestone—it’s a chance to build habits that boost their health and confidence. From fresh breath to fewer cavities, good oral hygiene pays off right now in ways your child will notice every day. Here’s how to help them take care of their new smile.
Back to School and Up to Date: August Is National Immunization Awareness Month
August is National Immunization Awareness Month. It is also back to school season. Here are the immunization your child needs to be back to school ready in Iowa.
Improving Patient Referrals: PHC and Iowa Community HUB Wrap Up National Design Sprint
Primary Health Care (PHC) and the Iowa Community HUB recently wrapped up a national Design Sprint with the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC), focused on improving referrals for osteoarthritis care. Over five months, the team explored ways to streamline provider workflows and connect patients with community-based resources—culminating in a national presentation of their work in Bethesda, Maryland.
Men: Ignoring Your Teeth Could Be Hurting Your Heart
Men: Take Care of Your Teeth to Protect Your Heart Taking care of your teeth and gums does more than give you a nice smile. It can also help keep your heart healthy. How Are Your Teeth and Heart Connected? If you don’t brush or floss your teeth, bacteria (germs) can...










