Did you know that smoking increases your risk of coronary heart disease, heart attack, and stroke? February is American Heart Month, and the best way to protect your heart is to keep it smoke-free. Cigarette smoke causes more than 440,000 deaths each year, most of which stem from cardiovascular disease. But we have good news: you can quit! 1.3 million American quit smoking every year, and you can be one of them.

Congress and The American Heart Association started American Heart Month in 1963 to encourage heart-healthy habits and prevent cardiovascular disease and stroke. Check out the AHA's website for more information about why kicking the habit today is the best thing you can do for your body.

Knowing the dangers of smoking and its risk for heart disease is the first step. With that said, take this month to focus on keeping your heart healthy and helping others do the same. The benefits are well worth it.