February is American Heart Month, a great time to check in on two big drivers of heart health: blood pressure and cholesterol. A few small tweaks now can pay off all year.
1) Know your numbers (at home, too)
Nearly 7 in 10 adults 60+ live with hypertension; many don’t feel symptoms, so regular checks matter. Consider a home BP cuff and bring a log to your next visit.
2) Eat the DASH way (and watch the salt)
The DASH eating plan—more veggies, fruits, whole grains, beans, low-fat dairy, fish/chicken; less sodium and added sugars—has been shown to lower blood pressure. Aim to keep sodium under 2,300 mg/day (about a teaspoon of salt) unless your clinician gives you a different target.
3) Keep moving (a little, most days)
Brisk walks, light strength work, and balance exercises help BP, cholesterol, and fall-prevention. Even 10-minute bouts count—stack a few through the day. (Tie this to your heart-month goal and mark progress on a calendar.)
4) Understand “good” and “bad” cholesterol
High LDL (“bad”) raises risk for heart disease and stroke; higher HDL (“good”) helps carry cholesterol away. Your clinician can personalize targets based on your history and meds.
5) Put your benefits to work
Many Medicare Advantage plans include fitness programs or nutrition resources—sometimes even allowances that cover home BP cuffs. Not sure what’s included? Ask your broker to check your plan’s 2026 perks.
Bottom line: Track your numbers, trim the salt, move most days, and use the benefits you already have. Questions about covered screenings, devices, or fitness perks? Contact your broker—happy to help.