The Heart of Wellness

January was all about body composition—understanding how lean mass, fat percentage, and overall fitness contribute to a stronger, healthier body. But true wellness doesn’t stop at the surface. At the center of your health is your heart, tirelessly working to pump blood, deliver oxygen, and keep every system in your body running smoothly. February is Heart Health Month, and it’s the perfect time to focus on your heart—especially as many of you are progressing through your 8 Weeks to Wellness Reset.

WHY HEART HEALTH MATTERS Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States for both men and women. In 2022, nearly 941,652 Americans died from cardiovascular disease (CVD) - more than from cancer or accidental injuries - and almost half the U.S. adults have had some form of CVD. Every year someone in the U.S. has a heart attack every 40 seconds - many of them silently without obvious symptoms. The good news? Up to 80% of heart disease is considered preventable through healthy living habits such as balanced nutrition, regular activity, smoking avoidance, stress management, and quality sleep. 

UNDERSTANDING YOUR BLOODWORK Bloodwork gives us a powerful window into your heart health. Standard markers like cholesterol levels, triglycerides, blood sugar, and inflammation help identify risk early But one marker we’ve recently added that’s worth highlighting is Lp(a) - short for lipoprotein. Lp(a) is a type of lipoprotein that’s genetically determined, meaning your levels are largely set early in life and don’t change much with lifestyle alone. About 1 in 5 people have elevated Lp(a) - a surprisingly common risk factor for heart disease that isn’t detected in most routine cholesterol panels.   HIGH LEVELS OF LP(a) CAN INCREAST YOUR RISK FOR: Coronary heart disease

• Stroke

• Aortic valve narrowing

• Peripheral artery disease

This is because Lp(a) can contribute to plaque buildup, inflammation, and clot formation inside arteries - even in people with otherwise normal cholesterol. Knowing your Lp(a) number gives you an edge. It doesn't always change with diet or exercise, but it does help us customize your care plan and target other risk factors more aggressively to help protect your heart. 

LIFESTYLE HABITS THAT SUPPORT YOUR HEART AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE Heart health isn’t just about one number - it’s about a lifestyle that supports your body every day. Small, consistent habits add up to big changes. Supporting your heart doesn’t have to be complicated. Focus on nutrition by choosing whole foods, healthy fats, plenty of fiber, and cutting back on processed sugars. Keep your body moving with a mix of cardio, strength, and mobility exercises, all of which help your heart work efficiently. Don’t forget about stress management—mindfulness, prayer, and gentle movement can help keep your blood pressure and heart rhythm in check. And finally, make sleep a priority: getting 7 to 9 hours of quality rest each night helps regulate hormones and keeps your heart healthy.

TAKE ACTION BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE Whether you’re just starting your wellness journey or fine-tuning your results, February is the perfect time to focus on your heart. Here’s how we can help: Schedule a Heart Health Panel that includes cholesterol, blood sugar, inflammation markers, and Lp(a), Book a Wellness Coaching Session to build a heart-healthy meal plan tailored to you, Plan your Mid-Reset Check-In to see progress and adjust goals for the next phase. Your Heart works hard every second of every day. Let’s make sure you’re working just as hard to take care of it,