Healthy Hearts and Minds in February

When it comes to relationships and romance, it's easy to see how the heart and mind are connected. But beyond Valentine's Day, there is a much deeper connection between the two. Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer in the U.S. and your mental health could play a significant role in keeping your heart healthy. 


Research shows people who are depressed, but otherwise healthy, are more likely to develop coronary heart disease, no matter what other risk factors they may have.  Additionally, the combination of depression and heart disease tripled the risk of death from all causes and quadrupled the risk of dying from a heart attack or a stroke (Heart, 2010).


February is American Heart Month and there is no better time to check in on your own well-being. As part of its ongoing dedication to the health of our community, Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital is offering free, anonymous screenings for depression and other common mental health conditions.  The screenings are available at: