February is American Heart Month, and with recently published research indicating blood pressure control has worsened in both men and women since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s important to use this month to get a blood pressure screening and focus on becoming heart healthy. Below are tips for everyone to become heart healthy this February.

1. Get Moving: Being physically active every day is not only fun; it can also improve the function of your heart. Plan and schedule opportunities for active play; for example, include a brisk 10-minute trip around the block after meals or a 10-minute walking break during the day.
   
   
2. Rest up: Lack of sleep can be associated with elevated cholesterol and blood pressure. Adults need at least seven, but no more than nine hours of sleep at night to aid with the prevention of heart disease. Children need 10-12 hours of sleep per night. Develop bedtime routines to assist with falling asleep faster and staying asleep.
   
   
3. Revamp your Recipes: Makeover your favorite recipes by reducing the amount of salt and saturated fat and substituting a lower fat food without sacrificing tastes. For example, use low-fat yogurt instead of sour cream and skip the seasoning packet and use pepper and olive oil instead. Read food labels to learn more about what is in the package, select foods that have less
   than 1,000 mg of sodium per serving. There are several nutrition classes offered at the Senior Center that can assist you in eating delicious, nutritious foods.
   
   
4. Check your Pressure: Revised blood pressure guidelines from American Heart Association mean that nearly half of all Americans (46 percent) have high blood pressure. Lowering or maintaining normal blood pressure can greatly reduce your risk for heart disease and stroke. Start self-monitoring your blood pressure and know the numbers. Discuss the results with you doctor if needed.
   
   
5. Quality Time: Spending time together with family or friends is a great way to reduce stress, which is important to heart health. Make homemade valentines for your closest fitness, art, and social friends at the YMCA Senior Center!
   

Tuesday, February 6th 2-3 p.m.
Downtown YMCA (207 N. Nevada): FREE
The show includes hits from Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Bobby Darin, and Tom Jones, Ricky Nelson, Elvis Presley and Roy Orbison, and Gary Allen, George Strait, Alan Jackson, Garth Brooks, Michael Buble and many more: ALWAYS a wide variety.
Thank you to our Sponsor:

Monday - Friday, February 5th - 16th
9 a.m. - 3 p.m. - Westside Cottages (1616 W. Bijou)

For two full weeks in February, we will be collecting boxed and canned good items to donate to Care and Share. These items will go directly into the hands of those seniors in our community that are in need. Please check the expiration dates. Thank you so much for your support and wonderful donations!

This Valentine's Day, show how much you LOVE your community by giving the gift of life! All the blood donated to Vitalant stays right here in El Paso County! Each year more than 12,000 units of blood are needed to help those who have lost blood due to an accident, surgery or illness. When you donate blood, you are helping your neighbors, friends and family! Please sign up for a time slot with the Senior Center to ensure we are prepared and well-equipped to accommodate all of our donors. All eligible donors welcome, no age restrictions!
Call to reserve your donation time:
719.955.3400 or 719.209.1717

Wednesday, February 14th: 10 a.m. - 2:15 p.m.
Westside CC East Cottages (1616 W. Bijou)
Tis the season for all those lovey dovey feelings! Our Bake Sale this year is on the same date as our Blood Drive and we hope to see you supporting both causes. Come one, come all, everyone is more than welcome! If you are a baker and would like to donate goodies for the sale, please contact Sara at stucker@ppymca.org.

Friday, February 16th
9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Westside Cottages (1616 W. Bijou) - $3
We are bringing back our popular pancake breakfast! You will get pancakes, juice/coffee, and fruit for a great price. Come and eat breakfast with friends. Please register in advance so we are all well prepared!

Saturday, February 24th 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Southeast & Armed Services YMCA, $25
Take a step away from the busy weekend and treat yourself to this special yoga retreat. Many different classes and formats will be offered. All levels of experience are welcome. Cost includes a healthy lunch, giveaways, a culinary nutritionist presentation, and a full day of wonderful yoga experiences. Bring a bathing suit to experience a unique Aqua Yoga class! Space is limited, please register by Friday, February 16th Retreat is in partnership with AARP.