There was a time when people thought about heart disease as something that primarily impacted men. Today, we know better. Heart disease can impact anyone, and women are no exception. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 44% of women in the United States live with some form of heart disease, which is the leading cause of death for females.

Fortunately, we’ve also learned that there are steps women can take to improve their heart health and lower their risk for high blood pressure, heart attacks and strokes. February is American Heart Month, which is a good time to learn actions you can take to make your heart a top priority. In addition, Friday, February 7 is the day that the American Heart Association encourages everyone to wear red and raise awareness for women’s heart health.

With that in mind, here are nine actions you can take this month to show your heart some love.

1. Plan an active date night. A night on the town doesn’t have to be loaded with calories. Whether you’re looking for Valentine’s Day ideas, or you just want to get out of the dinner-and-drinks rut, put your creative thinking cap on and dream up something new and exciting. Hit the roller rink, sign up for a dance class, try rock climbing, visit an escape room, take a stroll or come up with some other ideas that will get your heart pumping. 

2. Try a new, healthy recipe or sign up for a cooking class. Add something new and fresh to your meal routine. For heart-healthy recipes, the American Heart Association is a great place to start. The non-profit organization publishes a trove of recipes, including breakfast, lunch, dinner, smoothies and desserts, that will jazz up your weekly menu. Want even more inspiration? Sign up for a cooking class in your community. It makes a great date night, and you’ll learn new skills and recipes to take home.

3. Quit smoking. Want to do your heart an enormous favor? Quit smoking. Smoking contributes to a whole host of health conditions, including heart disease. When you smoke, you’re inhaling chemicals that damage your heart and blood vessels, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. If you’ve struggled to quit, help is available. Here’s the CDC’s resource guide.

4. Make an appointment for a check-up. If you haven’t seen your doctor in a bit, make an appointment for a physical. Your primary care physician can check your blood pressure and cholesterol levels and talk to you about other factors that may elevate your odds for developing heart disease, such as smoking, diet and family history. Knowing your numbers and understanding your risks can help you make healthier choices. In addition, be sure to get up to date on the vaccinations you need, which can help your immune system keep you healthy or protect you from getting seriously ill from illnesses such as flu and COVID-19.

5. Schedule a relaxation day. We all feel stress from time to time. But when stress becomes constant, it can increase your risk for high blood pressure, a heart attack and a stroke. Finding a regular outlet for stress is important. A good place to start is by dedicating a day to unwinding. Head to a spa or visit your gym; meet up with friends for a yoga class; take deep breaths and then go for a bike ride. Whatever you do, make sure it calms you and restores your inner Zen.

6. Set an activity goal. Exercise is the gift that keeps on giving when it comes to heart health. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, regular physical activity can lower your blood pressure, decrease the risk of developing diabetes, manage inflammation and help you reach a healthy body weight. Figure out a routine that works for you and stick with it. Aim for 150 minutes a week of moderate activity to keep up with the national guidelines. 

7. Learn CPR. Every year, more than 430,000 people in American have a heart attack, and the majority of those—more than 350,000—occur outside of a hospital. When you know how to do CPR, you can save a life. Find a course in your area today.

8. Know how to read food labels (and teach your family, too). Understanding how much fat, cholesterol, sugar and salt is in food can help you make heart-healthy choices. If you never learned how to read food labels, teach yourself how to do so this month (the American Heart Association has an easy guide here). Make sure your family also knows how to do this, too, and set them up for success.

9. Prioritize sleep. Getting enough sleep may sound like a nice-to-have, but it’s necessary for good health—not to mention a good mood. According to the CDC, adults who get less than seven hours of sleep a night are more likely to say they’ve had health challenges, such as a heart attack, asthma and depression. This month, commit to getting at least seven hours of sleep a night and see how you feel.

With so much focus on hearts in February, it’s an excellent time to study, learn and spread the word about women’s cardiovascular health. Take it a step further and sign up for an event, such as a walk or run that benefits a health-oriented non-profit, and show your support. Or make a longer-term commitment and learn about volunteer opportunities at heart and health organizations in your community. Most importantly, put what you learn to work, and give your heart the TLC it deserves.