Your heart is the hardest‑working muscle in your body. At Riverwood Healthcare Center, Heart Health Month is your cue to pause, check in, and make a few smart choices that support your long-term wellbeing.
Timothy Dirks, MD, cardiologist with the Minneapolis Heart Institute who provides care at Riverwood, shares this quick checklist: know your numbers, eat well and stay active, and prioritize preventive care. His bottom line: understand your risks and build habits that keep your heart strong.
Know Your Personal Risk
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States—but many major risk factors can be prevented or managed. Dr. Dirks encourages everyone to pay attention to four key areas:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Smoking
If you’re not sure where you stand, start with your primary care provider. A simple conversation and a few routine tests can give you a clear picture of your cardiovascular health—and help you take action before small concerns become bigger ones.
Healthy Habits Add Up
Your daily habits play a major role in lifelong heart health. Dr. Dirks highlights two key areas: movement and nutrition.
Move Your Body Regularly
Gyms can be helpful tools, but you don’t need a membership—or a rigid routine—to care for your heart. Aim for about 30 minutes of activity, five days a week, but remember: it’s okay to build up gradually. Consistency beats intensity every time.
Choose movement you enjoy:
- Go for a walk with a friend
- Try a beginner-friendly workout video (YouTube has many to choose from)
- Join a yoga or group fitness class
The best kind of exercise is the kind you look forward to doing.
Build a Heart Healthy Plate
A heart healthy plate is colorful, balanced, and nourishing. Focus on:
- Plenty of fruits and vegetables
- Whole grains
- Lean proteins
- Limited processed foods
- Fatty foods in moderation
Think fresh, simple, and satisfying.
Care You Can Trust
Riverwood offers expert care you can count on. Your primary care provider is your partner in protecting your heart health and connecting you with the services that help you feel your best. That includes our Cardiology team for specialized testing and treatment, Cardiopulmonary Rehab to strengthen your heart and support recovery, and our Dietitians for personalized, heart‑healthy nutrition guidance.
Our focus is simple: compassionate, connected care that meets you where you are and helps you stay well.
To make an appointment with your primary care provider, call 218‑927‑2157 or schedule online at www.riverwoodhealthcare.org.