Dear Colleagues,

February celebrates love in all forms, including love for others and ourselves. In the busy hustle and bustle of work and life, it's easy to let these essential aspects of life slide. But remember, strong individuals make strong teams, and prioritizing well-being, both personally and professionally, is vital to success.

With February being American Heart Month, it's a perfect time to focus on keeping our most vital organ thriving! Here are some ideas to inspire you and your colleagues to prioritize heart health:

Heart Health Facts:

• Did you know heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States?
• The good news is that 80% of heart disease is preventable through lifestyle choices!

Much of what we can do involves common sense and a general understanding of what constitutes good health. We need to eat right, consuming fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins while staying away from processed foods. We should engage in exercise on a regular and consistent basis. Even going for a long walk or swimming – low-impact exercises can deliver high benefits. Find healthy ways to manage stress, don’t smoke, and schedule regular annual wellness exams to monitor blood pressure, cholesterol, and sugar levels. It is also important to get enough sleep by aiming for 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night.

I have put together some fun and engaging ideas for what we can all do to promote heart health in the workplace:

• Organize a walk/run event: Promote physical activity and team bonding with a heart-healthy walk or run during lunch break. Feeling meeting fatigue? Coordinate a walking meeting. Not only will you increase your daily steps, but you will also see an increase in innovative solutions.
• Host a healthy potluck: Encourage employees to bring heart-healthy dishes to share and learn about healthy recipes.
• Offer educational workshops: Invite a healthcare professional to discuss heart health and risk factors.
• Start a step challenge: Use a fitness tracker or pedometer to track steps and compete with colleagues in a friendly challenge.

I encourage everyone to engage in any or all of these activities. By acting today, you can invest in a healthier and happier future for yourself and your loved ones.

In healthcare, compassion and love make a world of difference in patient care. While medical expertise is crucial, treating patients with love extends beyond administering medication and performing procedures. It's about creating a connection, demonstrating empathy, and fostering a sense of trust and support throughout the healing journey. It’s about listening and validating their feelings, and above all else, it’s about compassion. Offer a friendly smile or a kind word to your patients in order to create a sense of connection and warmth, and always be mindful of their comfort level and preferences. Be respectful and listen and be your patients’ best advocate which in turn helps to foster collaboration and compassion among your team members, building positive energy that translates to patient care.

Remember, showing love and respect for your colleagues and your patients doesn't require grand gestures. It often manifests in the little things: a warm smile, a listening ear, or a moment of genuine connection. By incorporating these practices into your daily routine, you can create a healing environment where patients feel seen, heard, and valued, contributing to their physical and emotional well-being. Those definitely contribute to heart health.

These are the messages I leave you with for this National Heart Month. I hope you will take it to … heart.

Warm regards,