It’s the Month of Love, So Love Your Heart

  • By Baltimore County Public Library

February is the month of love, but beyond the candy hearts and cheesy valentines, it’s also a month to love your heart. It’s American Heart Month—a national observance to raise awareness about heart disease, encouraging everyone to focus on cardiovascular health through lifestyle changes, self-care and preventive measures. The library is marking the month by debuting new items to our Library of Things and partnering with the Baltimore County Department of Health to provide programs.  

Get to Know Your Heart 

We had the opportunity to speak with Elaine Poole, public health nurse, and Kelley Robertson, community nutritionist, both with the Health Department’s Chronic Disease Prevention Program, about symptoms to look for and ways to improve your heart health. 

Q: In Maryland, how many people experience heart problems?  
A: According to the CDC, heart disease is the number one cause of death in the United States and here in Maryland. Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death in Maryland.

Q: I think when people hear of heart health, they instantly think of heart attacks, but there are other deadly heart diseases. Can you explain?  
A: The heart is a vital organ that pumps blood throughout the body, delivering oxygen and nutrients while removing waste products. Heart health in general involves the heart’s ability to beat steadily and move blood throughout your body without resistance. Heart disease refers to a range of conditions that affect the heart's structure and function, including coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, infection and heart defects. 

Q: What are some lesser-known signs of a heart attack? 
A: If you have any of these signs, call 911 and get to the hospital right away. 

  • Uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain in the center of your chest. It may last more than a few minutes or go away and come back.
  • Pain or discomfort in these areas: arms (one or both), back, neck, jaw, stomach 

  • Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort

Other signs include: 

  • Breaking out in a cold sweat
  • Nausea
  • Lightheadedness

Women may have other symptoms that are typically less associated with heart attack, such as: 

  • Anxiety
  • Shortness of breath
  • Upset stomach
  • Pain in the shoulder, back or arm
  • Unusual tiredness and weakness  

Q: What are some things people can start doing today to help reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke?  
A: Making lifestyle changes can reduce your risk of heart disease.

  1. Eat better! Make small changes to your diet, like reducing salt. Try replacing salt with more herbs and spices and using salt-free seasoning blends as well as increasing your potassium intake by eating more foods like spinach and yams.
  2. Get moving! It’s free. You want to get your heart beating faster and pumping more blood through your veins. Aim for about 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity (like walking five days a week). Start slow by walking 10 minutes at a time throughout the day. Even household activities are considered exercise, such as using a push lawn mower, shoveling snow and going up and down several flights of steps.
  3. Quit smoking and reduce alcohol consumption to no more than two drinks daily for men and one drink daily for women.  
  4. Make an appointment with your healthcare provider to learn about your risks. 

Q: What foods are good for your heart?  
A: Fruits and vegetables are good for your heart. Look to include a variety of colors in your diet. Berries high in antioxidants help to lower inflammation and blood pressure, apples are rich in soluble fiber, leafy greens help to lower blood pressure and relax the blood vessels, bananas are high in potassium, broccoli is high in fiber and beets help to lower blood pressure.  

Q: What simple test or number should people know about their heart?  
A: Know your numbers. Blood glucose, blood pressure, cholesterol, weight, BMI and waist measurements. Visit your healthcare provider annually for these screenings.

You can learn more about healthy heart habits with the Baltimore County Health Department during our programs at the Catonsville and Arbutus branches throughout February.  

 New to the Library of Things 

We have recently added more Wellness Kits to our Library of Things. This includes: 

Books to Help a Healthy Heart

As the Health Department mentioned, healthy eating is a great way to protect your heart. Check out our virtual book display, filled with heart-healthy cookbooks. Place one on hold today!

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