Pink, chocolate, Valentine’s day, and flowers–what comes to mind when many think of the month February. Yet, the month of hearts is interpreted more literally than you would picture. American Heart Month is observed in February and Woodland students should be enforcing the differently preached, healthy methods daily. 

There are many different ways to keep your heart healthy. Some include eating habits, exercise, and even go as far as managing stress. Students unconsciously rehearse these methods every single day, typically through sports.

Vicki DeLucia, Woodland nurse, said one of the best ways to stay healthy is as simple as going to bed at a decent time. 

She recommends “Proper sleep, definitely getting enough sleep at night, healthy diet, and hydration,”

Healthy habits like hydration might be easy to follow, but proper sleep is a recurring problem for many high school students. 

“Usually, I go to bed at 11:30 or past that,” said Emma DeGeorge. 

For some, sleep is a struggle, for others, it’s the easiest of the four methods that DeLucia recommends. The main way to keep your heart healthy is through the simple practice of exercise.

DeLucia said “Exercise, even if it’s low impact, like walking, is a great way to stay healthy.”

Exercise doesn’t have to be extreme like going for a 5 mile run every morning. In fact, it can be as simple as doing some push-ups or jumping jacks every day. This February, celebrate American Heart Month by keeping your heart healthy by picking up some new habits.