Take care of yourself this month and beyond ❤️

February is National Heart Month, a time to raise awareness about heart health and take positive steps to look after your body. It can be easy to overlook or put your health to the side as a student, amid the balance of deadlines, lectures and socialising. 

But prioritising your heart health is really important, not just for right now but for your future self too.

Here are some simple tips that can be implemented into your lifestyle to keep your heart happy and healthy.

1. Get your blood pressure checked, for free!

Having blood pressure checks annually or throughout the year is a great thing to do. High blood pressure usually has no symptoms and can lead to major conditions, so it's important you make time for these. 

Blood pressure checks only take around 10 minutes, and you can do it right here on campus.

Free blood pressure checks on campus

🗓️ Friday 25th February, between 2pm and 7pm

📍Freemen's Reception Social Area

No booking is required, just turn up when best suits you. Put your health first – it's worth it!

Free blood pressure checks in Leicester

Some pharmacies only offer free blood pressure checks to people under 40 if they are at risk. Make sure to check this before booking with a pharmacy. 

Near The Village

• Oadby Village Pharmacy, 9 The Parade, Oadby, LE2 5BB
• Somerby Pharmacy, 11a Leicester Road, Oadby, LE2 5BD 

Near The City

• Clarendon Pharmacy, 272 Welford Road, LE2 6BD
• Knights Dispensing Chemist, Clarendon Park, LE2 1TT
• Healthcare Pharmacy, 340 Welford Road, LE2 6EH
• City Pharmacy, 110 London Road, Stoneygate, LE2 0QS

2. Move every day 🚶‍♂️

Try incorporating some form of movement into your daily routine. Whether that's walking to class instead of getting the bus, stretching between study sessions or joining a sports club. 

The key is consistency. Once you've moved more for a week or so, you should be in the habit in no time. 

3. Get enough sleep 😴

A good sleep routine is so important for your health, and is something a lot of students struggle with. You should be aiming for around 7-9 hours of sleep every single night. 

A simple way to get into better sleep habits is to limit your screen time before bed to help you fall asleep more easily.

4. Eat nutritious food 🥑

Having a balanced diet can reduce the risk of heart disease and make you feel more energised. Aim for a variety of foods through the week like fruits, vegetables, wholegrains, lean proteins and healthy fats. 

It can be easy to grab quick snacks when you're on the go and busy, try swapping some for nuts or veggie sticks as a healthier alternative. A heart-healthy diet doesn't have to be restrictive, it's about making smarter, more nutritious choices that can support long-term health.

5. Keep hydrated 💧

Drinking plenty of water helps the heart to pump blood around the body better, and helps keep a healthy blood pressure. You should aim to drink around 8 glasses of water a day. A lot of people like to get water bottles that have the water level written on the side or time markings to remind you to refill and keep drinking throughout the day – like these ones on Amazon. 

6. Take time for self care 😌

Constant stress can take a toll on your mental health and heart. Try relaxing your body and mind with mindfulness practices like deep breathing, yoga and activities that you enjoy like spending time with friends or on a hobby. 

This month, let's choose small, healthier habits that benefit our bodies. Your heart (and future self) will thank you for it! ❤️