Are you worried about your partner's heart health? The American Heart Association reports that heart disease remains the number one cause of death in the U.S. and approximately every 39 seconds, an American will have a heart attack. Healthy lifestyle habits can help lower the risk for heart attack and reduce the chances of developing heart disease.

There is no need to sit on the sidelines and let your partner do all the work when it comes to better heart health. Here are eight ways you can support your partner as he/she works to get heart healthier:

1. Avoid criticism 
   Your partner probably already knows what they’re doing wrong. They don’t need you to keep reminding them or shaming them. Instead, talk about your own experiences and your own struggles in adopting a healthier lifestyle. Let them know the Monday morning struggle to the gym is real or that quitting smoking was hard, but worth the sacrifice. Become your partner’s cheerleader. Encourage them and recognize each step they take toward a healthier lifestyle.
   
   
2. Plan it out.
   Talk about lifestyle changes that can lead to better health for your partner and come up with solutions together. Ask what you can do to help them. Set some clear goals and make sure you and your partner understand each person’s role on your partner’s journey to better health. While you may be in good health, discuss some of your own goals and ways your partner can help encourage you. This shows that you’re both in it together.
   
   
3. Exercise together.
   Hitting the gym? Make it a time the two of you can spend together by scheduling workout dates. Come up with workout routines you can do together, or try out a new class together. Keep workout dates fun and encouraging for your partner and celebrate their success.
   
   
4. Encourage down time .
   Stress is a key factor in heart disease. Encourage your partner to unplug and unwind. Allow them some personal time to recharge and relax and encourage them to get a good night’s sleep.
   
   
5. Cook together. 
   Instead of dining out, make a date in the kitchen. Find a new healthy recipe you’d both like to try and cook the meal together. Or, come up with a list of healthy meals and take turns cooking for each other and discovering a healthier way of eating. Challenge one another to try new, heart-healthy foods.
   
   
6. Restock your pantry. 
   Take inventory of your refrigerator and pantry and restock with healthy options. Be sure to include some of your partner’s favorite healthy snacks and get rid of their trigger foods. You’ll find it easier to make healthy eating a habit when good food is within reach.
   
   
7. Lead by example. 
   Actions speak louder than words. If you want your partner to exercise but you’re a coach potato, it’s unlikely you’ll see much change. Make sure you’re adopting the same healthy habits you want to see in your partner.
   
   
8. Reward yourselves.
   Celebrate each other’s successes. Take some time to have fun and celebrate when you hit your goals. Consider setting rewards — like a shopping spree, a weekend getaway or a night in watching your favorite movie — so you both have something to look forward to as you work toward your goals.

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