As American Heart Month, February is a great time to focus on cardiovascular health. With many new research studies, medications, supplements and therapies available, formulating a health plan that most adults can maintain throughout the year is hard to do. Here are five practical tips to support heart health throughout the year:

Prioritize diet and exercise. It’s a tried-and-true formula: exercise more and eat better. 

The benefits of a healthy diet and regular physical activity for your heart could fill volumes. Unfortunately, the typical American diet is riddled with too many calories, excessive carbohydrates and the wrong type of fats, leading to conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart attack, stroke and even cancer. Not to mention, these health issues are expensive to treat. By making small, consistent changes to your lifestyle, you can improve your quality of life and ensure more years with loved ones.

Drink more water. 

Improving your diet and exercise habits is great, but don’t overlook hydration. Since 60% of the body is water, staying hydrated is vital to many bodily systems, including circulation. Proper hydration helps the heart pump blood more efficiently, supports muscle function and reduces stress on your heart. Dehydration can lead to fatigue, headaches, muscle cramps and weakened immunity. Keep a water bottle handy, refill it throughout the day and enjoy the nearly cost-free benefits.

Schedule your annual check-up. 

Make February the month you schedule a physical with your healthcare provider. Routine exams and tests, such as blood work and screenings for diabetes, hypertension and heart disease, are key to catching problems early. Stay current with other recommended screenings for your age, like colonoscopies or mammograms. Prevention and early detection can save lives—and your heart.

Quit smoking (and vaping). 

The U.S. has made tremendous strides in reducing cigarette smoking, but vaping and recreational marijuana use have created new challenges. The harmful effects of smoking are well-documented. Heart attacks are among its many side effects, along with oral and lung cancer, strokes and COPD (emphysema). Chemicals in vape flavors like clove, mint and vanilla can damage blood vessel cells, increasing the risk of heart disease. Quitting smoking or vaping is one of the best things you can do for your heart—and your overall health.

Get enough sleep. 

Ronald G. Grifka, MD, FAAP, FACC, FSCAI is the chief medical officer of University of Michigan Health-West and a cardiologist at C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital.