Dear Team,

I hope this message finds you well. As we move through the year, I want to take a moment to talk about something that affects all of us—heart health. February is American Heart Month, but beyond the calendar, protecting our hearts is a lifelong commitment. 

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in our country, yet so much of it is preventable. The good news? Small, consistent steps—like staying active, eating well, managing stress, and getting regular checkups—can make all the difference. 

I was recently reminded of this through a story that hit home. A dear colleague, a dedicated healthcare professional like you, always puts others first—patients, family, and team members. But like many of us in this field, they often put their own health last. It wasn’t until a routine checkup revealed concerning numbers that they realized they needed to change. They turned their health around with the proper support, lifestyle adjustments, and a renewed focus on self-care. Today, they feel stronger and more energized than ever—able to keep caring for others because they finally started caring for themselves. 

This story powerfully reminds us that heart health isn’t just about numbers—it’s about being here for the moments and people that matter—our families, our patients, and ourselves. 

So, I encourage you to take a moment this month to check in on your heart health. Also, if you committed to making some changes in your health habits for the new year but may have let those goals slip a bit, make a renewed focus to get back on track. Every step counts, whether it’s scheduling that overdue appointment, taking a daily walk, or simply pausing to breathe in the middle of a hectic day. 

I wanted to share a link of an article that focuses on heart health awareness, because learning about more potential risk factors is an important part of educating yourself on different cardiovascular and heart diseases.

Thank you for the incredible work you do every day. Your dedication and compassion inspire me, and I’m grateful to be on this journey with you. 

With appreciation,