December’s Our Healthy Kentucky Home campaign focuses on heart-healthy tips

By Melissa Patrick
Kentucky Health News

Kentucky introduced a year-long initiative to improve Kentuckians’ health last month, dubbed “Our Healthy Kentucky Home,” and this month the campaign focuses on heart health.

“By incorporating simple and achievable lifestyle changes into your daily routine, you have the power to improve your heart health,” Public Health Commissioner Dr. Steven Stack said at a Dec. 12 news conference.

Stack said heart disease was the leading cause of death among Kentuckians in 2023 and that nationwide, it kills more than 600,000 people a year.

Stack provided tips for Kentuckians to be heart-healthy.

When it comes to food choices and heart health, Stack suggested choosing foods high in fiber and low in saturated and trans fats. He also encouraged Kentuckians to use low-sodium broths or to use less butter in their favorite holiday dishes. Another easy switch, he said, is to serve fruits and vegetables in place of fried foods, cookies and breads.

In addition, he said one of the things that he has started doing is tracking his food and activities on a calendar to hold himself more accountable for his daily activity and what he eats each day.

He also encouraged Kentuckians to put away their smartphones and instead, focus on family and friends this holiday season.

“Studies have shown that people who are more socially connected tend to live both healthier and longer, reducing their risk for earlier death from all causes, including cardiovascular disease,” he said.

In addition, he said increasing your physical activity improves heart health.

“Getting at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity three times per week can lower blood pressure, improve your cholesterol level and lower your risk for heart disease,” he said.

The Our Healthy Kentucky Home website includes links to heart-healthy resources, including heart-healthy recipes, links to healthy, thrifty holiday menus, ways to increase physical activity, information about social connectivity and ways to prevent and manage high blood pressure.

The key goals of the year-long campaign are for Kentuckians to eat two servings of fruits and vegetables daily, to exercise at least 30 minutes three times per week, and to engage with others and stay connected.