Heart disease is the number one leading cause of death in the Bluegrass State — here are some ways to avoid becoming a part of that statistic. | Photos courtesy of UK HealthCare
This Valentine’s Day, be sweet to your heart, not just your sweetheart.
It’s time to break up with heart disease and introduce healthy habits to keep your ticker happy. Here are 10 ways to prioritize your heart health, according to the experts at UK Gill Heart & Vascular Institute:
Know your numbers: Your blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol + body weight reveal a lot about your likelihood of developing heart problems. This guide shows the basics of what your numbers actually mean.
Learn your family history: If a close relative has had heart trouble, you are more likely to have it. Research your family’s medical history and share any trends with your doctor.
Get moving: Start with 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise a day, five days a week. That doesn’t have to mean walking on a treadmill — consider active alternatives like dancing, bicycling, or pickleball.
Eat well: A diet low in saturated fats (meat and dairy) and trans fats (found in fried foods + baked goods) helps reduce the risk of high LDL blood cholesterol. The DASH diet is easy to follow.
Get enough sleep: Did you know that those who don’t sleep enough are at higher risk for cardiovascular disease?
Reduce stress: Slowing down, staying organized, exercising + sleeping well can all help, shares Dr. Connie Jennings.
Control high blood pressure: Talk to your doctor about the best strategy for you.
Reduce belly fat: Abdominal fat has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease. Studies have concluded that it’s not just how much weight you’re carrying but where you carry it.
Take it easy on the alcohol: Excessive alcohol can lead to higher fat levels in the blood, obesity + damage to the heart muscle.
Love is in the air — and so is a healthy heartbeat.
Gals, Pals, and Val-entines | 6-10 p.m. | Wise Bird Cider | Price of purchase | Celebrate all kinds of love at this low-key evening with themed cocktails + food, while shopping a curated vendor pop-up.
Dale Jones | Friday, Feb. 14-Saturday, Feb. 15 | Times vary | Comedy Off Broadway | $25 | Celebrate V-Day with a laugh from this highly energetic comedy veteran with whirlwind improvisations + an animated face.
“A Raisin In the Sun” | Friday, Feb. 14-Sunday, Feb. 16 | Times vary | Woodford Theatre | $18+ | Celebrate Black History Month with this American theater classic by Lorraine Hansberry.
Saturday, Feb. 15
Don’t Break It Resolution Run | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | John’s Run/Walk Shop | Free | If you resolved to get more steps in, let this local shop + fellow runners help keep you motivated.
Discovery Saturday: Astronaut for a Day | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | The Living Arts & Science Center | Free | Blast off to a world of wonder during this day of space-centered activities, workshops + planetarium shows.
Sunday, Feb. 16
Horse’s Mouth Storytelling Night | 7-8:30 p.m. | West Sixth Brewing | Price of purchase | Share your 10-minute tale or sit back and enjoy the theme “What’s Love Got To Do With It?” during this monthly storytelling festival.
Monday, Feb. 17
Monday Funday | Times vary | District 7 Social Hall | Price of purchase | Shake off the Monday blues with trivia, drink specials, and a delicious meal.
Enjoy an aerial tour of the Distillery District “Pepper Rickhouse,” back on the market for a cool $15.5 million. Purchased by U-Haul in 2021, the building features 200,000 sqft of commercial space + is already home to ground floor tenants including Wise Bird, Brevede, and Halligan’s.
Plan Ahead
Tickets for the Keeneland Spring Meet go on sale next Tuesday, Feb. 18. Your call to post — demand is high, so be prepared by exploring ticket options including general admission, reserved grandstand seating + dining rooms.
Eat
Minton’s move to the Warehouse Block is complete. The restaurant will open its new digs, the former home of El Cid on National Avenue, tomorrow Feb. 15, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. A new space means new menu items + Minton’s classics like Elvis pancakes and savory French toast.
Award
Congratulations to UK football’s J.J. Weaver for being named the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year. Named after the NFL veteran tight end, the award celebrates excellence in sports leadership, both on + off the field.
Environment
Live Green Lexington and LEX Center for Creative Reuse want to say one word to you: plastics. They want your clean + empty plastic bags, liners, and films to be recycled into Trex boards — visit Creative Reuse’s Instagram for drop-off times and location.
Sports
The Transylvania University women’s basketball team kept on fighting till the end and now they are the champions. With a 66-50 victory over Franklin College, the Pioneers scored the HCAC regular season title. You can see the Pioneers in action tomorrow as they play Mount St. Joseph University at the Clive M. Beck center.
Concert
Use promo code LOVE now through Sunday, Feb. 16 for deep discounts on concerts + events at Rupp Arena and Lexington Opera House. Featured performers and shows include Blake Shelton, Jim Gaffigan, “The Addams Family: A Musical Comedy,” and Local Legacy with Ben Sollee.
Arts
Calling all LEX-based movers and shakers, the Allegro Dance Project is accepting auditions for its 2025 company. Submissions close Monday, March 10 and are open to all genders of dancers + aerial artists over the age of 14.
Finance
Class is in session, and this is a lesson you don’t want to miss. With the cost of higher education rising, it’s important to determine early on how to fund your child’s education. See which option works best for your family + connect with Gratz Park Private Wealth to get started.*
Health
Feel like your vision benefits are leaving you in the dark? Brighten things up with VSP® Individual Vision Plans, starting as low as $13 a month.*
Category
Culture
💘 Liftoff to love
A pre-flight drink could turn into something special. | Photo via LEXtoday
Airports aren’t just for getting away, sometimes they are for getting hitched. DatingAdvice.com recently polled thousands of single flyers on their 100 most flirtatious departure locations, and Kentucky made the list not once, but three times.
Before you take off for Valentine’s Day, let’s take a look at what makes Kentucky’s airports so love-centric.
No. 54 Blue Grass Airport, Lexington
Yes, there’s the premium bourbon and fine wines at Cork & Barrel, and all-day breakfast at Dunkin’ Donuts, but its really the people who put Blue Grass Airport on the map. Whether you find yourself sitting next to an athlete, educator, distiller, or City Editor, you’re sure to enjoy the company.
No. 60 Muhammad Ali International, Louisville
Derby City’s airport earns its spot on the list with direct flights to romantic destinations like Miami, New Orleans, and, of course, Dallas Love Field.
No. 69 Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International, Hebron
Straddling two states is a nice way to double the dating pool, and recent upgrades to lounge areas + murals from local artists combine to make an attractive environment.
The Buy
The Buy
It’s Valentine’s Day and Friday… a combo that won’t happen again for another six years. Why not treat yourself for the occasion? We’ve got five picks we think you’ll love.
It’s finally Valentine’s Day and you know what that means — Cat Trivia at Villainous Table Top Gaming Pub to support Spay Our Strays. See you there.
Answered
Answered
We asked for your one-sentence roast of Lexington, and you didn’t disappoint. Enjoy your top two answers.
Lexington: Where the horses are fast, the bourbon is smooth, and the traffic on Nicholasville Road is...well, let’s just say you’ll have plenty of time to admire the horse farms while you’re stuck in it.
Welcome to Lexington, set your watch back ten years and enjoy it.
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