Kentucky Partnership for Families and Children, Inc. | |
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February is American Heart Month, a time when all people—especially women—are encouraged to focus on their cardiovascular health.
- Heart disease is very common. In the United States, heart disease is the leading cause of death for men, women, and people of most racial and ethnic groups. In 2022, 1 in every 5 deaths in the United States was caused by heart disease.
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High blood pressure is a leading cause of heart disease. Nearly half of U.S. adults have high blood pressure, which puts them at risk for heart disease and stroke. And just 1 in 4 people with high blood pressure has it under control.
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Make Heart Health Part of Your Self-Care Routine | | | |
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Devoting a little time every day to care for yourself can go a long way toward protecting the health of your heart. Simple self-care, such as taking a moment to de-stress, giving yourself time to move more, preparing healthier meals, and not cheating on sleep can all benefit your heart. It may be easier than you think to “put your heart” into your daily routine.
Each Sunday, look at your week’s schedule and carve out 30 minutes daily for heart-healthy practices.
Here are few self-care tips to try every day to make your heart a priority:
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Self-Care Sunday
Find a moment of serenity every Sunday. Spend some quality time on yourself.
Mindful Monday
Be mindful about your health and regularly monitor your blood pressure or blood sugar if needed. Keep an eye on your weight to make sure it stays within or moves toward a healthy range. Being aware of your health status is a key to making positive change.
Tasty Tuesday
Choose how you want to approach eating healthier. Start small by pepping up your meals with a fresh herb or spice as a salt substitute. Get adventurous and prepare a simple, new, heart-healthy recipe. Or go big by trying a different way of eating, such as the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) eating plan, which is scientifically proven to lower blood pressure. DASH is flexible and balanced, and it includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, fish, poultry, lean meats, beans, nuts, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products.
Wellness Wednesday
Don’t waffle on your wellness. Move more, eat a fruit or vegetable you’ve never tried, make a plan to quit smoking or vaping, or learn the signs of a heart attack or stroke. You could be having a heart attack if you have chest and upper body pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, cold sweats, nausea, or lightheadedness. You might be having a stroke if you have numbness in the face, arm, or leg; confusion; trouble talking or seeing; dizziness; or a severe headache.
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Treat Yourself Thursday
Treats can be healthy. Try making a dessert with fresh fruit and yogurt. Then stretch your imagination beyond food. Host a family dance party, take a few minutes to sit still and meditate, go for a long walk, or watch a funny show. Laughter is healthy. Whatever you do, find a way to spend some quality time on yourself.
Follow Friday
Follow inspiring people and pages on social media, or text a friend to help you stick to your self-care goals. Remember to take care of your mental health, too. Two of the main hurdles to self-care are depression and a lack of confidence, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association. If your mental health gets between you and your fabulous self, take action to show your heart some love. Reach out to family and friends for support, or talk to a qualified mental health provider.
Selfie Saturday
Inspire others to take care of their own hearts. Talk about your self-care routine with loved ones or share a selfie on your social media platforms. Having social support and personal networks can make it easier to get regular physical activity, eat nutritious foods, reach a healthy weight, and quit smoking.
Learn more in this Self-Care Tips for Heart Health fact sheet and visit www.hearttruth.gov to learn more about heart health.
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Family Peer Support Services:
Broadening the View
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SAMHSA Fact Sheet
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration released a new fact sheet in January 2025 with considerations and recommendation for expanding family peer support services to include all family members as more siblings, spouses, adult children, and others step into a caregiving role for their loved ones with mental health and/or substance use challenges.
Family Peer Support Services: Broadening the View
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The Differences Between 988 & 911 | |
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988 & 911:
What to Know, What to Do
| Join Family Connections for Part 2 of a 3-part series on "Crisis: Before, During, and After. If you're concerned about supporting another person experiencing mental health and/or substance, use challenges or about your own wellbeing, it's important to feel confident about getting the right support when you need it. We'll focus on the differences between 988 and 911, dispel myths about 988, and discuss your questions about responding to crisis. | |
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February 6th, 1:30 p.m. ET
Register
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Not Stopping for Directions - Podcast for Dads | |
In an effort to provide a resource for dads, KPFC has launched a podcast,
Not Stopping for Directions, hosted by Michael Karman.
| If you have a comment, suggestion, or think you are, or know, a good guest please reach out via email to dads@kypartnership.org. | |
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National Federation of Families Conference | |
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NFF Event and Presentation Opportunity
The National Federation welcomes proposals from professionals, family members, and youth who support the well-being of our children—of all ages—and who accept, advocate, and act to uplift family voice. Submit your proposal about fatherhood initiatives, supporting families with children throughout the lifespan and/or with co-occurring concerns, emerging youth and young adult leaders, family peer workforce development, and lessons from the field. Register to attend here.
NFF’s 36th Annual Conference Call for Proposals
Due March 1st
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National Hotlines for Help | |
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National Dating Abuse Helpline
Offers confidential support for teens, young adults, and their loved ones seeking help, resources, or information related to healthy relationships and dating abuse in the US.
Visit: loveisrespect.org
Call: 1-866-331-9474
(TTY: 1-800-787-3224)
Text: “LOVEIS” to 22522.
The National Sexual Assault Hotline
Telephone: 800.656.HOPE (4673)
Online chat: online.rainn.org
Español: rainn.org/es
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Call or Text: 988
Chat: https://988lifeline.org/chat
Deaf and Hard of Hearing: for TTY users, use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988
https://988.ky.gov/#in-ky
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Línea de Prevención del Suicidio y Crisis
llama al 988 o envía un texto al 988, o chat via https://988lifeline.org/chat (en inglés)
The Trevor Project (LGBTQ youth)
Call: 1-866-488-7386
Text: START to 678678
Visit Trevor Chat: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/webchat
Veteran's Crisis Line
1-800-273-TALK (8255)
TTY: 1-800-799-4889
Website: www.veteranscrisisline.net
Connects veterans in crisis (and their families and friends) with qualified, caring Department of Veterans Affairs responders through a confidential, toll-free hotline, online chat, or text.
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