The heart of wellness: Give back + get involved
This year, I was honored to be asked to serve on the Executive Leadership Team for our local American Heart Association campaign — an opportunity that reinforces my passion for holistic well-being and making heart health accessible to all. Through that, I have created team All is Well to raise money for the cause.
Our hearts do more than keep us alive; they carry our emotions, fuel our energy, and respond to the way we move, eat, and manage stress. Cardiovascular health isn’t just about avoiding risk: it’s about thriving. Through nourishing foods, mindful movement, and stress management, we can take an empowered approach to heart health, one choice at a time.
This issue of All is Well is dedicated to supporting your heart — literally and figuratively.
Check out these five interesting facts:
Your heart beats over 100,000 times a day
Without you even thinking about it, your heart is constantly working—beating around 100,000 times a day and pumping nearly 2,000 gallons of blood throughout your body. Over a lifetime, that adds up to about 2.5 billion heartbeats.
Laughter is good for your heart
A good belly laugh does more than lift your mood — it actually helps your heart. Studies show that laughter can reduce stress hormones, improve blood flow, and lower blood pressure. So whether it’s a funny movie, a night out with friends, or a meme that cracks you up, laughing is a simple (and fun) way to support heart health.
Strength training can boost your cardiovascular health
While cardio workouts like running or cycling are known for improving heart health, strength training is just as important. Lifting weights or doing bodyweight/resistance exercises like Pilates can help lower blood pressure, reduce bad cholesterol, and improve circulation. Plus, building muscle helps your body use oxygen more efficiently, taking some of the workload off your heart.
Poor sleep can weaken your heart
Not getting enough quality sleep (less than 6-7 hours per night) is linked to high blood pressure, inflammation, and an increased risk of heart disease. Your heart needs downtime to rest and repair, so making sleep a priority is one of the best things you can do for your overall health.
Women’s heart attack symptoms can be different from men’s
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women, yet many don’t recognize the warning signs of a heart attack. While chest pain is common in both men and women, women are more likely to experience nausea, extreme fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath, or jaw pain. Because these symptoms are subtler than the classic "chest-clutching" pain, heart attacks in women often go untreated longer—making awareness and early action critical.
Caring for your heart goes beyond just diet and exercise — it’s about lifestyle, awareness, and daily choices. Whether it’s getting enough sleep, moving your body, or simply taking time to laugh, small changes can make a big difference.
Want to support heart health in a meaningful way? Consider donating to the American Heart Association through the All is Well campaign.
You can also join our team for the Move More Challenge now-March 29. Join the team, download the "Heart Walk" app, sync your fitness tracker, and get points for every amount of exercise you do during that time frame.
Ways to get involved and support
Join the Heart Walk on March 29
The American Heart Association's annual Midlands Heart Walk is a chance to show your support for heart health and honor those affected by cardiovascular disease. Whether you’re walking in person or participating virtually, every step counts.
Rise Fitness + Wellness classes
Take a specialty class at Rise Fitness + Wellness every Friday in March (featuring an awesome playlist), where all proceeds will be donated to the American Heart Association. It’s the perfect way to get your fitness in while supporting a great cause. Check out class details and times.
Shop with heart at Rosewood Market
When you shop at Rosewood Market, a portion of every purchase of Sea Moss will directly support the American Heart Association. Feel good about your wellness routine while giving back to the cause.
1624 Bistro's Specialty Smoothie
Head to 1624 Bistro for three delicious specialty smoothie options, with all proceeds from the drink going directly to support heart health initiatives. Stop by and sip on:
Tropical Pulse: Pineapple, mango, strawberry, banana, kale, almond butter, date syrup
Berry Vitality: Blueberries, açaí powder, banana, pineapple, chia seeds, date syrup
Cinna-Heart: Apple, banana, cinnamon, almond butter, flax seeds, date syrup
Donate directly or join the Move More Challenge
Not only can you donate directly to the campaign, but you can also take part in the Move More Challenge through March 29. Join our team, download the "Heart Walk" app, sync your fitness tracker, and rack up points for every bit of exercise you do during this time. You’ll be making an impact while staying active.