Stress is a normal part of life, and it affects everyone in one way or another. Low to moderate levels of stress can actually be good for you when managed properly. Although you can’t completely eliminate tension from your life, you can reduce your emotional and physical stress levels by making small changes.

Our final heart healthy tip for February Heart Month talks about the importance of physical activity and the need to keep moving through the day. Physical activity is a great way to help protect your heart from heart disease. Keep your heart healthy and aim for at least 2 1/2 hours of moderate physical activity every week.

A healthy diet that is low in sodium and saturated fat is key to heart disease prevention. The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) eating plan was put together to help lower high blood pressure. It requires no special foods and provides daily and weekly nutritional goals.

Heart disease is largely preventable, yet many Americans remain at risk of getting it. Smoking, being overweight, having diabetes, having unhealthy blood cholesterol levels, or having a family history of heart disease, increases the likelihood you'll develop heart disease. Know your numbers, understand your risks and set achievable goals.