Keep your heart health in mind while celebrating Valentine’s Day this weekend, as February is also Heart Month. Administrator of Washington County Public Health Danielle Pettit-Majewski, says heart disease is the leading cause of death in Iowa for men and women, and has been since 1920. She adds nine out of 10 cases of heart disease are preventable. She says small changes like taking the stairs instead of the elevator and making them part of your daily habits can improve your health.

She recommends eating more fruits and vegetables, and avoiding food that comes in a wrapper, as they often have a lot of salt and fat. To combat eating healthy but not having much time, Pettit-Majewski says to meal plan for the week so healthy foods are at hand. Also, she says making healthy eating and exercising part of your family’s lifestyle for your children will help them throughout their lives.

For the full interview with Pettit-Majewski click here.