MassBay Practical Nursing Program Shares Heart Health Tips for Heart Health Awareness Month

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Liz Cooper
781-540-1231
ecooper@massbay.edu

MassBay Community College Nursing students practice hands-on techniques in the Nursing Skills Lab on the Framingham campus, Framingham, MA, October 2024 (Photo/ MassBay Community College).

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. (March 25, 2025) — Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention . In 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson designated February as American Heart Month to raise awareness of cardiovascular health. MassBay’s Practical Nursing program offers essential tips to protect your heart and enhance overall well-being.

Adopt a Heart-Healthy Diet. Prioritize fruits, vegetables, whole grains, learn proteins, and healthy fats (such as avocados and nuts). Limit saturated fats, trans fats, sodium, and added sugars. Stay hydrated, avoid processed foods – especially cold cuts — and reduce red meat consumption. Opt for leaner proteins like turkey or plant-based alternatives such as portobello mushroom steaks.

Stay Active. Engage in at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise three to five times per week, such as walking or swimming. Incorporate movement into daily routines by taking the stairs instead of the elevator.

Avoid Smoking and Limit Alcohol. Smoking damages blood vessels and increases blood pressure, while excessive alcohol intake can harm heart health.

Manage Stress and Prioritize Sleep. Reduce stress through deep breathing, meditation, yoga, hobbies, social activities, or journaling. Aim for seven to eight hours of sleep each night.

Schedule Regular Health Screenings. Early detection and lifestyle adjustments help prevent complications. Monitor blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels, keeping blood pressure below 120/80 mmHg. Routine check-ups can identify risks before they escalate.

MassBay offers students two Nursing programs, the Practical Nursing Program and the Associate Degree in Nursing Program. Both programs prepare students to work in hospital settings with combinations of rigorous classes and labs, as well as clinical experience. Since 2020, MassBay’s Practical Nursing Program has been ranked #1 by PracticalNursing.org , a nursing advocacy organization.

This Heart Health Awareness Month, MassBay’s Practical Nursing program encourages individuals to take proactive steps toward a healthier heart and consult with a doctor with any questions.

MassBay Community College is the most affordable higher education option in MetroWest Boston and is free to most Massachusetts residents without a bachelor’s degree. With more than 70 associate degree and certificate programs, along with comprehensive workforce and educational training, MassBay provides a wide range of courses with flexible day, evening, and weekend classes in Wellesley, Framingham, the Automotive Technology Center in Ashland, and online, in high-demand fields including health and life sciences, computer science, engineering, cybersecurity, business, and the humanities. MassBay students receive unparalleled value, with free one-on-one academic and social support services, compassionate and experienced faculty, and stackable credits that easily transfer to bachelor’s degree programs and that provide hands-on, workforce-ready skills. Health sciences, human services, early childhood education, and many general education programs are offered at the 65,000 square foot, state-of-the-art MassBay Framingham, which has served the community since January 2024. Founded in 1961, MassBay has been accredited by multiple governing bodies and remains dedicated to serving its diverse communities, fostering inclusiveness, and advancing equity for all.