February is American Heart Month, according to the healthfinder.gov website.

Heart disease is no joke.

Every year, 1 in 4 deaths are caused by heart disease, according to the site.

The good news is that heart disease can often be prevented when people make healthy choices and manage their health conditions. Communities, health professionals and families can work together to create opportunities for people to make healthier choices.

A difference can only be made by spreading awareness first.

This month can be used for both our homes and the community we live in.

To help prevent heart disease you can do the following:

• Eat healthy.
• Get active.
• Stay at a healthy weight.
• Quit smoking and stay away from secondhand smoke.
• Control your cholesterol and blood pressure.
• Drink alcohol only in moderation.
• Manage stress.

These factors if not treated can also lead to heart attack and other heart problems.

Eating healthy is the biggest prevention for heart disease.

This includes a heart-healthy diet that includes foods that are low in saturated and trans fats, added sugars and sodium (salt).

Pairing this with staying active can help prevent heart disease even more.

Adults need at least two and a half hours of moderate aerobic activity each week. This can range from walking fast to dancing.

This and other healthy habits are listed at healthfinder.gov and will also give you the tools you need to get started in turning your health around.

Help spread the word and raise awareness this month.