February is Heart Month: Focus on Social Connectedness

Did you know that people who have close relationships at home, work, or in their community tend to be healthier and live longer? Feeling connected with others and having positive, close relationships benefit our overall health, including our blood pressure and weight. Having people in our lives who motivate and care for us helps, as do feelings of closeness and companionship. Additionally, we’re more successful at meeting our health goals when we work on them with others. NHLBI launched the #OurHearts movement to inspire us to protect and strengthen our hearts with the support of others.

Follow these heart-healthy lifestyle tips to protect your heart. It will be easier and more successful if you work on them with others, including by texting or phone calls if needed.

And, here are some resources on building social connectedness, particularly during the Public Health Emergency:

• Tips on Building Connections in a Time of Social Distancing
• Building Social Connections Among Older Adults
• Connecting and Finding Joy While Social Distancing