Every February, communities across the United States come together for American Heart Month, a national initiative focused on protecting the organ that keeps every one of us going. For many, it’s a reminder to pause during a busy year, look inward, and take stock of our own heart health. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the U.S., but the good news is that most risk factors are preventable with everyday habits and innovative use of your health benefits.

This month, we spotlight practical steps you can take, how to recognize early warning signs, and how to be a wise consumer of your health through prevention, early action, and intentional use of the benefits available through Blue Shield of California, Guardian, and VSP.

Why Heart Health Matters

Heart disease doesn’t happen overnight. It develops quietly, sometimes without noticeable symptoms for years, until a serious event such as a heart attack or stroke occurs.

Here are just a few reasons awareness is so important:

  • Nearly half of U.S. adults have at least one significant risk factor for heart disease (high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or smoking).
  • High blood pressure—often called the silent killer—affects as many as 119 million Americans and frequently shows no outward symptoms.
  • Conditions like diabetes, excess weight, chronic stress, poor sleep, and physical inactivity further raise risk.
  • Even younger adults are increasingly affected; heart-related hospitalizations have risen in adults aged 20–44.

While these statistics are sobering, they also highlight something empowering: you have more control over your heart health than you might think.

Be a Wise Consumer of Your Health

Prevention, early action, and more innovative use of benefits.

Taking care of your heart is not only about responding to illness, but it’s also about using your benefits proactively to stay healthy and catch issues early, before they become more serious or costly.

Below are practical ways to take advantage of the benefits available to Banc of California employees:

Prevention Starts With Primary Care (Blue Shield of California)

Annual checkups and preventive screenings are covered at no additional cost when you use in-network providers. Ask your provider to check:

  • Blood pressure
  • Cholesterol levels
  • Blood sugar/A1C
  • Weight and BMI
  • Family history-based risks

Your Blue Shield plan includes digital tools, telehealth services, and wellness content to support day-to-day heart-healthy habits.

Being proactive now helps you avoid urgent care, ER visits, or more complex treatment later.

Know When to Take Early Action

Minor symptoms can be easy to ignore, but early evaluation can make all the difference. Watch for:

  • Persistent fatigue
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest tightness or pressure
  • Unusual swelling in legs or ankles
  • Dizziness or irregular heartbeat

If something feels off, contact your primary care provider or use telehealth before it escalates.

Use Your Dental and Vision Benefits to Support Whole-Body Heart Health (Guardian & VSP)

Your mouth, eyes, and heart are more connected than they may seem.

Dental exams (Guardian) help identify gum disease, which has been linked to increased risk of heart disease and inflammation.

Eye exams (VSP) allow providers to spot early signs of hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol by examining small blood vessels in the eye.

Scheduling these routine visits is an easy way to support early detection and overall cardiovascular wellness.

Healthy Lifestyle Habits That Make a Difference

While genetics plays a role, lifestyle remains the strongest predictor of long-term heart health. Small, consistent habits add up:

  • Move regularly: Aim for 150 minutes of moderate activity per week (a brisk walk counts).
  • Eat heart-healthy foods: Focus on vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, fish, whole grains, and healthy fats.
  • Limit salt and added sugars: Big contributors to blood pressure and cholesterol issues.
  • Manage stress: Try breathing exercises, breaks during the day, outdoor time, or mindfulness apps.
  • Prioritize sleep: Adults need 7–9 hours. Poor sleep is linked to higher blood pressure, weight gain, and increased heart risk.
  • Don’t smoke/vape: Smoking remains one of the leading preventable causes of heart disease.

Even one change can create momentum.

Let This February Be Your Reset

American Heart Month is a reminder to slow down and reflect on your health, not with fear, but with empowerment. Take advantage of the benefits Banc of California provides, make preventive care a priority, and take small steps each day to care for your heart.

Be a wise consumer of your health. Prevention, early action, and innovative use of your benefits today can mean a healthier, fuller tomorrow.

Wishing you good heart health throughout the year.

Resources

If you'd like to learn more, please contact me at:

Austin Scates
Senior Client Manager
ascates@venbrook.com 
Tel: 916.550.9507