February is American Heart Month, a great time to make heart health a family affair. Heart disease is the number one cause of death in the U.S., but the good news is that small, fun changes can help everyone in your household live healthier and feel better. Here are easy tips for eating well and staying active as a family.

Eat smart as a team

1. Make fruits and veggies fun
   Turn snack time into a rainbow challenge. Who can eat the most colors today? Add berries to breakfast, carrot sticks for lunch and roasted vegetables for dinner. Aim to include a fruit or vegetable at each meal and snack.
2. Switch to whole grains
   Try whole-wheat pasta or brown rice. Kids often enjoy oatmeal topped with fruit and a little cinnamon. It tastes great and supports heart health.
3. Cook together
   Choose one night a week for a “family chef” night. Let kids help wash vegetables or stir ingredients. Cooking together makes healthy eating fun and helps build lifelong habits.
4. Cut back on salt and sugar
   Season meals with herbs, spices and lemon instead of salt. Swap soda for fruit-infused water or sparkling water with a splash of juice.

Move more, together: Why it matters for everyone, especially kids

Being active is one of the best ways to keep your heart healthy, and it’s just as important for kids as it is for adults.

• Builds a strong heart early: Regular movement strengthens the heart muscle and improves blood flow.
• Keeps blood pressure and cholesterol in check: Active kids are less likely to develop risk factors for heart disease.
• Supports a healthy weight: Physical activity helps prevent childhood obesity.
• Improves blood sugar control: Movement lowers the risk of type 2 diabetes.
• Boosts mental health: Activity helps reduce stress and improve mood.
• Encourages lifelong habits: Active kids are more likely to stay active as adults.

Recommended: Children ages 6–17 should get at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day, including activities that strengthen muscles and bones, such as running, jumping, or climbing.

Keep it fun and motivating

• Create a family challenge: Track steps or minutes of activity and celebrate milestones with a fun reward, like a picnic or game night.
• Plan heart-healthy meals together: Let each family member choose one healthy recipe for the week.
• Celebrate small wins: Every healthy choice counts, so cheer each other on.

Your family’s heart health starts with small steps. This month, try adding one new habit, like serving a vegetable at every meal or taking a daily walk together. Over time, these simple changes can add up to a lifetime of heart-healthy habits.