February is American Heart Month, a time to focus on and raise awareness about heart health while also taking active steps to reduce your own risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). As the number one leading cause of death for Americans, high blood pressure is the primary cause of heart disease. While you can take certain steps to be proactive about your health, barriers to health can make managing heart disease difficult.

Indianapolis’ Near Southeast Side was identified as an iHeart anchor community, displaying an elevated risk for heart disease based on analysis of demographic, economic and CVD prevalence data. Here’s some steps you can take and resources to reduce your risk for heart disease:

• Eat healthy foods: Eating a diet low in cholesterol can help keep your blood pressure in in check. In addition to other social services and supports, Southeast Community Services has a FREE walkup Produce Pantry every Wednesday from 12-2pm, no registration or identification required. In the Norwood Neighborhood, a partnership between iHeart and Purdue Extension offered diabetes prevention and heart health programming, with a free air fryer for participants and a recipe book for heart healthy meals.
• Exercise regularly: Staying active helps control your weight and strength your heart. Garfield Park offers walking trails, playgrounds, and basketball courts. Indy in Motion is a program for free total-fitness and health Find your nearest Indy Park or check out your local YMCA for free or affordable programming and ways to stay active.
• Take your medications: Adhering to your medication can help control your blood pressure or other risks you may have for heart disease. Good Rx is a website and app that provides free coupons for discounted prescriptions. Some health systems like Eskenazi and Community Health also offer prescription delivery services; check with your provider to explore what options are available to you.
• Know your risk: Talk with family to see if heart disease runs in your family.
• Check your numbers: getting your blood pressure checked can be a quick, easy way to check your numbers and can help understand your risk of heart attacks or strokes. You’ll always get a blood pressure reading when going for an appointment at a doctor, but IU Health offers free blood pressure screenings around the community such as at food pantries and local barbershops. Check out their calendar to find free upcoming community screenings near you.