February is more than just pink hearts, flowers, and fancy date nights. It’s the month we celebrate American Health Month and devote special attention to understanding, preventing, and treating heart disease. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in our country.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly half of adults in the United States (47%, or 116 million) have hypertension, defined as a systolic blood pressure greater than 130 mmHg or a diastolic blood pressure greater than 80 mmHg or are taking medication for hypertension. Hypertension, also called high blood pressure, is blood pressure that is higher than normal. Blood pressure is the pressure of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries. Arteries carry blood from your heart to other parts of your body. Blood pressure normally rises and falls throughout the day, but it can damage your heart and cause health problems if it stays high for a long time.

When the spine doesn’t move correctly, or is misaligned, stress may build up in the nervous system, which can influences blood hormones and heart health.

Chiropractic adjustments can help ensure a well-functioning spine and nervous system. Proper alignment allows movement, which can aid in lowering stress and improve optimal function in all your organs, including your heart.

Several studies have demonstrated that spinal adjustments to the upper neck stimulate a part of the nervous system responsible for balancing heart rate variability, normalizing blood pressure, and improving blood vessel control.

This month continue to make good health a priority! Together we can Move Forward with heart health by listening to our bodies and maintaining consistent adjustments.