Mother’s Day is just around the corner, and it’s time to celebrate the amazing women we call Mom. This Mother’s Day, let’s show them our love and appreciation in a meaningful way by taking care of their heart health.

Women are significantly more vulnerable to heart disease than men. They struggle with gaps in care and not enough awareness of their risk and the various heart attack symptoms they may experience. You can give the women in your life the confidence they need to close the gap in heart health.  Help women stand up for their heart health, by encouraging them to speak up if they feel something.

Here are seven surprising heart health facts every Mom should know, along with some fun and meaningful ways to celebrate Mother’s Day this year!

  1. Stay Strong and Active

Regular physical activity can reduce the risk of heart disease. Going for a walk or hike is a great way to spend time with Mom while getting some exercise. Walking is a low-impact activity that’s easy to do, and it’s great for heart health. So, take a stroll around the neighborhood, a local park, or a nearby trail. Make it extra special by packing a picnic lunch to enjoy along the way.  

  1. Say Goodbye to Stress

Stress is a major contributor to heart disease. Help Mom unwind and de-stress by planning a “Relax & Rejuvenate” day for her. Treat her to a spa day, massage, or yoga class. Or, set up a cozy spot at home with some scented candles, soothing music, and a good book. Relaxation can help reduce stress and improve heart health.

  1. Healthy Eating, Happy Heart

Maintaining a heart-healthy diet is crucial for optimal heart health, but it doesn't have to be all about restriction and sacrifice! There are plenty of heart-healthy treats that can help you indulge without compromising your health goals. For instance, dark chocolate, fresh berries, or homemade fruit sorbet are great options to satisfy your sweet tooth without adding unhealthy fats or sugar to your diet.

You can also experiment with low-cholesterol options like oatmeal, whole wheat flour, and nuts to make delicious and nutritious heart-healthy muffins or cookies that the whole family can enjoy. It's important to keep an eye on your cholesterol levels and steer clear of saturated fats like butter and fatty meats to further reduce the risk of heart disease. By making small changes to your diet and choosing heart-healthy foods, you can enjoy a lifetime of good heart health.

  1. Take the Pressure Off

Did you know that blood pressure is a key factor in heart health? Consider getting Mom a blood pressure monitor so she can keep an eye on her blood pressure at home. High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease, so monitoring it is essential. Plus, it’s a practical gift that she can use all year round.

  1. Sweet Dreams, and Healthy Hearts

Quality sleep is essential for a healthy heart. Consider getting Mom a luxurious pillow and quality satin sheets to help her get better rest. A good night’s sleep can help reduce stress and lower the risk of heart disease.  

  1. Breath Easy, Live Well

If Mom is a smoker, encourage her to quit. Smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease. Offer your support and help her find resources to quit, such as nicotine patches or gum, counseling, or support groups.  

  1. Check-Up, Check-In, and Check-Out Heart Disease

Regular check-ups are essential for maintaining heart health. Encourage Mom to schedule regular check-ups with her healthcare provider. Regular check-ups can help detect any heart health issues early on and prevent them from getting worse.

By incorporating these fun and meaningful ideas into your Mother’s Day celebration, you can show Mom how much you care and help to make sure her heart stays healthy and happy for years to come.

 

Stay Heart-Healthy this Mother's Day: Take On Our Week-Long Blood Pressure Monitoring Challenge!
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As a challenge to all moms out there, try taking your blood pressure using the Hello Heart app and commit to doing it weekly! Here's a week-long blood pressure monitoring challenge for women:

Day 1: Baseline Reading -Start by taking your blood pressure reading at the beginning of the week, ideally in the morning after waking up and before any food or beverages. Record the numbers and note the time of day.

Day 2: Mindful Breathing -Take a few minutes to focus on your breath, inhaling deeply and exhaling slowly. After a few minutes, take your blood pressure reading again and record the numbers.

Day 3: Cardio Exercise -Engage in moderate-intensity cardio exercise for at least 30 minutes. This could be brisk walking, cycling, or swimming. After resting for a few minutes, take your blood pressure reading and record the numbers.

Day 4: Healthy Diet - Eat a well-balanced, low-sodium diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables. Avoid processed foods and excessive alcohol or caffeine. After a few hours, take your blood pressure reading and record the numbers.

Day 5: Relaxation - Spend some time relaxing with a favorite hobby, such as reading, listening to music, or practicing yoga. After relaxing, take your blood pressure reading and record the numbers.

Day 6: Sleep Quality - Aim to get at least 7-8 hours of restful sleep. Try to establish a regular sleep routine, avoiding screens before bedtime and creating a cool, dark, and quiet sleep environment. Upon waking up, take your blood pressure reading and record the numbers.

Day 7: Reflection - Reflect on the week's activities and how they may have affected your blood pressure. Take one final reading and compare it to your baseline reading from Day 1. Note any changes and celebrate any positive improvements.

For the best heart health results during this blood pressure monitoring challenge, it's important to use a reliable blood pressure monitor and take readings at the same time of day each day for consistency. And to make tracking your blood pressure even easier, you can use the Hello Heart app.

By participating in this challenge and using the app, women can become more mindful of their blood pressure and take proactive steps toward maintaining a healthy heart. So, let's take on this challenge together and prioritize our heart health this Mother's Day and beyond!

Hello Heart is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment. You should always consult with your doctor about your individual care.

1. Gazit T, Gutman M, Beatty AL. Assessment of Hypertension Control Among Adults Participating in a Mobile Technology Blood Pressure Self-management Program. JAMA Netw Open. 2021;4(10):e2127008, https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.27008. Accessed October 19, 2022. (Some study authors are employed by Hello Heart. Because of the observational nature of the study, causal conclusions cannot be made. See additional important study limitations in the publication. This study showed that 108 participants with baseline blood pressure over 140/90 who had been enrolled in the program for 3 years and had application activity during weeks 148-163 were able to reduce their blood pressure by 21 mmHg using the Hello Heart program.) (2) Livongo Health, Inc. Form S-1 Registration Statement. https:/www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1639225/000119312519185159/d731249ds1.htm. Published June 28, 2019. Accessed October 19, 2022. (In a pilot study that lasted six weeks, individuals starting with a blood pressure of greater than 140/90 mmHg, on average, had a 10 mmHG reduction.) NOTE: This comparison is not based on a head-to-head study, and the difference in results may be due in part to different study protocols.
2. Validation Institute. 2021 Validation Report (Valid Through October 2022). https://validationinstitute.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Hello_Heart-Savings-2021- Final.pdf. Published October 2021. Accessed October 19, 2022. (This analysis was commissioned by Hello Heart, which provided a summary report of self-fundedemployer client medical claims data for 203 Hello Heart users and 200 non-users from 2017-2020. Findings have not been subjected to peer review.)

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