February is American Heart Month, so I’m sharing with you some things that help keep my heart healthy!!

I know what you’re thinking, this does not look healthy!!! But actually, they say chocolate is healthy for you, but it has to be dark…a powerful source of antioxidants. It may help lower blood pressure, and lower bad cholesterol, and may reduce heart disease risk, also, may protect our skin from sun and best of all, could improve brain function!!

Of course they advise us not to eat too much chocolate, a little bit a day is all we need, to be healthy!! Click here to read more about the benefits of chocolate.

This would probably be a better option…then we can eat the chocolate!!

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Of course exercise is another healthy habit…Victor and I enjoy walking, we try to get out everyday, but it is challenging on these cold winter days.

So, this is what I wear, to stay as warm as I can, because I hate to be cold. I bought a new winter coat this season at Columbia Outlet store …it’s a lightweight coat but very warm, with thermal reflective lining that captures body heat and seals it in! A warm hat is a must, and this knitted one has a thermal lining and keeps me extra warm on really cold days and actually stays on over my ears! I wear two pairs of pants, here are fleece lined leopard print yoga pants under wide leg stretchy pants. A knit long sleeve top, with a linen scarf, I find wearing bulky scarf is too much fabric around the neck. Then a hooded sweatshirt, this one is Lululemon, I got it at the Outlet store on sale!! I wear two pairs of gloves because I have Raynaud’s syndrome, where my hands get cold easily. The boots I wear are old Merrell’s that keep my feet dry and warm and are so very comfortable to walk in. Although these boots are not sold anymore, there are lots of Merrell’s that are similar!!

We don’t walk if it’s below 20 degrees, but honestly I wouldn’t walk if it were below 40 degrees, but with all the modern technology in fabrics, it’s truly comfortable to walk in cold weather now. I hope this inspires you to get out in the winter fresh air, it’s good for our soul and body!!

Here we are going on a family walk on a nature trail at the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley…I’m walking with Gina and Raffa…notice Gina’s hat, with two black pompoms, it looks like a Mickey Mouse hat, which is very appropriate for her!!

On a rare warm winter day, we took a ride to Cape Cod to check on our cottage, with our good friends, Susie and Frank! We ended up on Nauset Beach in Orleans for a long walk and here we are sharing a log for a well deserved rest! Spending time with friends is good for your health and heart❤️

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Did you know there is a pedometer that counts how many steps you take, while you have your phone on you, right on your iPhone?!! It’s the Health app that’s built into your iPhone.

Victor and I have been counting our steps daily. It is recommended to do 10,000 steps a day…so I try doing 10,000 steps, but of course Victor has to outdo me, so he does 12,000 or more!! I think counting my steps is a fun challenge…

So I have a Fitbit!! These fitness trackers do lots of things other than counting steps…it tracks heart rate and it even tracks how much you sleep at night!! I’m only interested in my steps at this point!! I don’t think they are very attractive, but as you can see in the photo, it can be dressed up with jewelry!!

The most important thing is that you find something that will inspire you to exercise, whether it’s friends and family to walk with, counting steps, going to the gym or joining classes!!

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I thought my tap dancing days were over, however, I found a great class for seniors and Victor got me a new pair of tap shoes for Christmas!! I’m loving it!!!

When you do things that you love, it is good for your body and spirit!!

♥️To all my readers, may your heart be happy and healthy♥️