RAN February 2023

New Governor, New Session, New Budget

IT’S THAT TIME AGAIN WHEN YOUR RAN TEAM TURNS OUR FOCUS TO THE Nevada Legislative Building to monitor and advocate for business. This year presents a new challenge for state leaders with a new Republican governor leading a Democraticmajority legislature to agree on policy and a state budget with available funds far exceeding the norm.

In his first State of the State address on January 23rd, Governor Lombardo outlined an aggressive agenda that would use the budget surplus to invest in strengthening the state’s position, not expand existing programs. Other highlights from his budget include:

l Lower taxes for consumers at the gas pumps

l Lower taxes for businesses through modified business tax reductions and raising the commerce tax exemption

l A budget increase for K-12 education of 22 percent from the current biennium to increase per-pupil funding with a promise that

By Bryan Wachter

was quick to remind viewers of the Democratic control of both the Assembly and Senate and taking credit for the state’s strong economy. He highlighted cost of housing as one of the many contrasting priorities between Democratic and Republican leadership, and reiterated support for public education, as a contrast to Governor Lombardo’s plan to expand access to alternative education options. Other

Bryan Wachter

if he doesn’t see net results, he will call for changes in two years.

l A rollback of many of the COVID-era voting reforms, including a reduction in mailed ballots and a requirement for any mailed ballot to be returned by 5pm on Election Day

l Delegate the authority of redistrict to an independent, nonpartisan commission

l Bonuses for state employees

The video of the address can be viewed here: https:// www.leg.state.nv.us/ Video/

When the camera turned to the Democratic rebuttal, Speaker-elect Steve Yeager

New Governor

Continued from page 1 priorities include clean energy, gun violence, and, of course, protecting mailed ballots and ballot harvesting gains of recent sessions.

The video of the address can be viewed here: https://www.leg. state.nv.us/Video/

At this phase, these are just words and a 3,146page budget proposal from the Governor. We know from experience that legislators will have no trouble spending every last penny of the budget surplus, and negotiations will still need to take place. At this early phase, the Senate Republicans appear to be in lockstep with the Governor, submitting BDRs and

drafting legislation to mirror the Governor’s outlined agenda; however, we don’t yet know how many of those bills will be heard. Assembly Republicans have been much quieter, instead focusing on many of their perennial legislative proposals.

As the RAN team looks ahead to the June 5th sine die, we are proceeding cautiously. We expect to continue the dialogue on topics including organized retail crime, changes to SNAP benefits and an ongoing debate about the role of the pharmacist post-pandemic. Nevada businesses will likely not feel the pain of increased taxes; however, we

to be on our toes monitoring proposed law and regulation changes.

There are a lot of unknowns going into this session. With a new governor and a legislature controlled by the other

party and a large sum of money to spend, this could have many different outcomes. What we know so far is there will be a “showdown” over who is really in charge in Carson City. Stay tuned! ■

Shoplifting a $94.5 Billion Problem for Retailers

THE NATIONAL RETAIL FOUNDATION ESTIMATES that the industry lost $94.5 billion last year due to “shrink”—an industry term for lost inventory— mostly due to shoplifting. Shrink includes staff theft and product

damage, but the trade organization claims that external theft accounted for 37% of shrink, including

merchandise seized during organized shoplifting heists. It also stated that shops saw a 26.5% increase in organized theft instances last year. According to the NRF, the $94.5 billion figure represents around 1.4% of retail revenue in 2021, with large year-over-year

increases in “shrink” that intensified during the coronavirus epidemic. Supply chain constraints have also enabled shoplifters to sell stolen products at a premium on eBay, Amazon, and other secondary market facilitators. ■

Governor Joe Lombardo takes his oath of office alongside his wife, Donna, inside the old Assembly Chambers in the state Capitol in Carson City on Jan. 2, 2023. (David Calvert/The Nevada Independent) expect

Benefits of a Healthy Workforce RAN Staff Report

EMPLOYEE HEALTH AND WELL-BEING IS AN IMPORTANT aspect of any successful business. Not only does it affect the productivity and morale of the workforce, but it also impacts the bottom line of the company. Encouraging employees to adopt healthy habits can have a positive impact on the overall health of the workforce and the success of the business.

One of the primary benefits of encouraging healthy habits among employees is increased productivity. When employees are in good physical and mental health, they are better able to focus and complete tasks efficiently. This leads to higher levels of productivity and a more productive workforce. Additionally, healthy employees tend to take fewer sick days, which can lead to increased productivity and reduced costs for the company.

Encouraging healthy habits can also improve the overall morale of the workforce. When employees feel good about themselves and their health, they are more

likely to be engaged and motivated at work. This can lead to a positive work environment and improved employee satisfaction. Additionally, when employees are in good health, they are less likely to experience stress and burnout, which can negatively impact their work performance.

Another benefit of encouraging healthy habits is the reduced healthcare costs for both the employees and the company. When employees are in good health, they are less likely to require expensive medical treatments or hospital stays. This can lead to significant savings for both the employees and the company. Additionally, healthier employees are less likely to require disability or worker’s compensation, which can also lead to significant savings for the company. Encouraging healthy habits can also improve the overall well-being

of the workforce. When employees are in good health, they are better able to manage stress and maintain a positive work-life balance. This can lead to improved mental health and overall wellbeing, which can lead to a happier and more fulfilled workforce. Additionally, when employees are in good health, they are more likely to have the energy and motivation to pursue their personal and professional goals.

There are several ways companies can encourage healthy habits among employees. One way is to provide access to wellness programs, such as gym memberships or fitness classes. Another way is to provide healthy food options in the workplace, such as a company-wide healthy eating program. Companies can also encourage healthy habits by promoting regular physical activity and encouraging employees to

take regular breaks during the workday.

In addition, companies can offer flexible work arrangements, such as telecommuting or flexible work hours, which can help employees better manage their work-life balance and reduce stress. This can also lead to increased employee satisfaction and engagement.

In conclusion, encouraging healthy habits among employees is a win-win situation for both the employees and the company. It can lead to increased productivity, improved morale, reduced healthcare costs, and overall well-being of the workforce. Companies can encourage healthy habits by providing access to wellness programs, healthy food options, promoting regular physical activity, and offering flexible work arrangements. By investing in the health and well-being of their employees, companies can create a happy, healthy, and productive workforce which will ultimately lead to the success of the business. ■

ID Scanning to Prevent Underage Tobacco Use RAN Staff Report

NOT ONLY IS ID SCANNING TECHNOLOGY

BECOMING increasingly popular as a means of preventing underage tobacco use, it is the law in Nevada. The technology works by scanning the barcode or magnetic strip on a government-issued ID, such as a driver’s license or passport, to verify the individual’s age.

One of the main benefits of ID scanning technology is its accuracy. Traditional methods of age verification, such as checking a person’s physical appearance or asking for a birthdate, can be easily circumvented by minors using fake IDs or lying about their age. ID scanning technology, on the other hand, can quickly and accurately verify a person’s age by pulling data from the ID itself.

Another benefit of ID scanning technology is its ability to store data for compliance and reporting purposes. Many ID scanning

systems are able to record the date, time, and location of every scan, as well as the results of the scan (e.g. approved, denied, or expired). This data can be used to demonstrate compliance with state and federal laws, as well as to identify patterns of underage tobacco use.

In addition to preventing underage tobacco use, ID scanning technology can also be used to prevent other types of illegal activity. For example, some systems can scan IDs for signs of tampering or alteration, which can help prevent the use of fake IDs. Additionally, ID scanning technology can be integrated with other security measures, such as facial recognition or biometric authentication, to provide an additional layer of security.

Despite its benefits, ID scanning technology is not without its drawbacks. One potential issue is the cost of purchasing and maintaining the technology. ID scanning systems can be expensive, and retailers may need to invest in additional equipment and software to implement the technology.

Another potential issue is the potential for privacy concerns. ID scanning technology collects personal information, such as name and birthdate, which could be

vulnerable to hacking or misuse. To mitigate this risk, retailers should ensure that their ID scanning systems are properly secured and that they have a clear privacy policy in place. In conclusion, ID scanning technology is an effective tool for preventing underage tobacco use. It offers a high level of accuracy and can be used to store data for compliance and reporting purposes. However, retailers should be aware of the potential costs and privacy concerns associated with the technology. By implementing proper security measures and having a clear privacy policy in place, retailers can ensure that they are using ID scanning technology responsibly and effectively.

If you would like to learn more about ID scanning, We Card has an informative video available here: https:// bit.ly/ID_scanning ■

JOE LOMBARDO Governor

TERRY REYNOLDS Director

STATE OF NEVADA

VICTORIA CARREÓN Administrator

PERRY FAIGIN Deputy Administrator

WILLIAM GARDNER Chief Administrative Officer

DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY DIVISION OF INDUSTRIAL

RELATIONS

OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY & HEALTH ADMINISTRATION

January 17, 2023

To:

All Businesses

Re: Annual Monetary Adjustment to Nevada OSHA Penalties

The administrative penalties for workplace safety violations levied by the Nevada Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) against employers who are not in compliance have increased effective January 17 As a result of Senate Bill 40passed during Nevada’s 2019 Legislative session - the Division of Industrial Relations automatically adopts penalties in alignment with those imposed by the Department of Labor OSHA enforcement program.

The Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015 requires the Department of Labor to annually evaluate its civil monetary penalties to adjust for inflation no later than January 15 of each year.

As a result, Nevada OSHA’s administrative penalties will increase by 7.74%, effective immediately for any penalty assessed on or after January 17, 2023, regardless of when the inspection was opened. Nevada OSHA’s penalties for violations of the Nevada Occupational Safety and Health Act are as follows:

• For willful violations, where Nevada OSHA demonstrates that an employer knowingly failed to comply with an OSHA standard, or demonstrated a plain indifference for employee safety, the maximum penalty increases from $145,027 to $156,259.

• For repeated violations, maximum penalties will increase from $145,027 to $156,259.

• Penalties for serious violations, where workplace hazards that could cause an injury or illness that would most likely result in death or serious physical harm, the maximum penalty increases from $14,502 to $15,625.

• For each other-than-serious violation, the maximum penalty increases from $14,502 to $15,625.

• In instances where employers were previously cited and failed to correct violations, the maximum penalty increases from $14,502 to $15,625 per day unabated beyond the abatement date.

• For each posting requirement violation, the maximum penalty increases from $14,502 to $15,625.

SURVEY OF BLACK NEVADANS IDENTIFIED INFLATION, HOUSING AS TOP CONCERNS

A poll conducted by the State Innovation Exchange, to be presented to the Nevada Black Legislative Caucus, found that inflation and housing were the top concerns for Black Nevadans, with 84% of respondents saying that rising prices for necessities like food, gas, and healthcare were a major concern. Additionally, 82% of respondents cited housing costs and availability as a major concern. Other concerns that were noted in the poll included wages, with 80% of respondents saying they were worried about their ability to make ends meet, and racism, with 71% of respondents saying they had experienced discrimination. The poll also found that Black Nevadans were more likely to support progressive policies such as raising the minimum wage, expanding Medicaid, and increasing funding for education.

The Nevada Independent

FORMER REP. BERKELEY TO RUN FOR LAS VEGAS MAYOR

Shelley Berkley, a former U.S. Representative and Democrat who served in Congress for seven terms, aspires to be the next mayor of Las Vegas. Berkley announced that she will run for mayor to succeed Carolyn

Nevada News

Goodman, who will finish her term at the end of 2024. Berkley, who is currently the senior vice president of the Touro University system, said she plans to “hit the ground running later this year” and that she “[looks] forward to working with all the members of the City Council.” Berkley said she informed Touro about her plans and promised to commit to the institution for six more months.

Las Vegas Review-Journal

GOV. JOE LOMBARDO ISSUES FIRST EXECUTIVE ORDERS

On January 7, Governor Joe Lombardo signed his first two executive orders. Lombardo repealed and annulled the previous administration’s COVID restrictions and pushed state officials to solve state workforce shortages and return state employees to routine office operations in person by July 1.

KTNV

NPRI APPEALS DECISION IN NEVADA SEPARATIONOF-POWERS CASE

The Nevada Policy Research Institute (NPRI), a private nonprofit research group focused on limited government and free-market policies, appealed after a Clark County District Court judge determined that public employees can serve as lawmakers in the Nevada Legislature. In 2020, the NPRI

filed a claim saying that lawmakers serving on the state Legislature while also working for state and local government entities violated the Nevada Constitution’s separation-of-powers clause. According to this provision, the powers of government are distributed among the legislative, executive, and judicial departments, and “no persons charged with the exercise of powers properly belonging to one of these departments shall exercise any functions, appertaining to either of the others, except in the cases expressly directed or permitted in this constitution.” After a multiyear dispute, Judge Jessica Peterson ruled in favor of the four Democratic legislators involved in the complaint, ruling that politicians who work as public employees do not violate the clause.

Las Vegas Review-Journal

LEGISLATORS APPROVE $36 MILLION REIMBURSEMENT FOR PANDEMIC FURLOUGHS OF STATE EMPLOYEES

An interim panel of state legislators overwhelmingly approved roughly $36 million in back pay for more than 14,800 state employees on Thursday, restoring income for those who were required to endure 48-hour furloughs during the pandemic’s early months. Following former State Gov. Steve Sisolak’s declaration in May that

he would seek to restore compensation to furloughed state workers, the state’s Interim Finance Committee, a group made up of members from both parties who sit on both the Assembly and Senate budget committees, took the move. The money is one of the last disbursements of funding the state received from the federal American Rescue Plan (ARP); following the approvals, less than $40 million remained out of $2.7 billion in flexible aid. Aside from the back pay agreed by the committee, the Governor’s Finance Office and the state controller will process an additional $3.4 million in back pay, covering 210 smaller state budget accounts.

The Nevada Independent

BROADBAND INTERNET EXPANSION FOR 40,000 NEVADA HOMES

Under the Capital Projects Fund in the American Rescue Plan, 40,000 homes in Nevada communities with multi-unit low-income housing will be able to access broadband. Many rural and underserved areas in the state have struggled with limited or no internet access. As of 2021 14% of Nevada households did not have access to the internet and nearly 9% of Nevadans live in areas with no broadband internet infrastructure.

Nevada Current

INCREASING ROL OF HEALTHCARE IN GROCERY

Grocers are leaning in as healthcare providers and researchers are putting more focus on diet in preventing and even treating diseases. This comes as Kroger Health is expanding opportunities to participate in clinical studies with its in-store health clinics, and Amazon expanded their pharmacy business to include a generic drug discount program. Grocery Dive

HOME DEPOT LAUNCHING NEW APP FOR EMPLOYEE PRODUCTIVITY

Building on their recently deployed hdPhone mobile devices, Home Depot has launched a new app for employees, called Sidekick, with the goal of improving the employee experience and increasing productivity by utilizing machine learning to help staff prioritize daily tasks, such as alerting employees refill out-of-stock items on shelves. Retail Dive

WALGREENS SHARES REMARKABLE FISCAL FIRSTQUARTER EARNINGS

Walgreens Boots

Alliance announced fiscal first-quarter earnings that exceeded Wall Street expectations, as

National News

a result of an early flu season that increased demand for cough and cold treatment. Earnings per share are reported at $1.16 (adjusted) vs. $1.14 expected while revenue is at $33.38 billion vs. $32.84 billion expected. The company also reported an increase in its full-year sales forecast, owing partly to its U.S. healthcare segment’s recent acquisition of Summit Health. However, sales for the most recent quarter fell short of projections. CNBC

ONLINE HOLIDAY SALES ROSE 3.5% YEAR-OVER-YEAR TO $211.7 BILLION

According to Adobe Analytics, online sales increased 3.5% year over year to $211.7 billion during the holiday season, as record-low prices enticed buyers to spend. This spending set a new high for e-commerce sales during the crucial holiday shopping season. Vivek Pandya, lead analyst at Adobe Digital Insights, said that “retailers have to really adjust to the consumers’ terms now.” He also believes the huge discounts helped retailers sell off excess inventory that had accumulated in warehouses and store backrooms. Moreover, because of the pandemic, online sales have become

a more significant portion of holiday shopping.

CNBC

WALMART COMPLETED OVER 6,000 DRONE DELIVERIES IN 2022

Big-name retailer Walmart reported that they made over 6,000 drone deliveries in 2022. The accomplishment comes on the heels of the company’s rapid growth in transportation method availability. Walmart currently has 36 locations across seven states— namely, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, North Carolina, Texas, Utah, and Virginia— with drone delivery hubs managed by DroneUp, Flytrex, and Zipline. Walmart has a long way to go before reaching its goal of 1 million products delivered by drone every year. Nonetheless, the retailer is encouraged by the favorable response from shoppers and looks forward to advancing further in 2023, according to Walmart U.S. Vice President of Innovation and Automation, Vik Gopalakrishnan.

Walmart News Release

FUNCTION OF BEAUTY INTRODUCES

HAIR STYLING LINE AT TARGET Function of Beauty, a customized products brand, has announced the

debut of new hair styling products exclusively at Target. According to a press release, the brand will offer the styling items for $12.99 at Target stores and online, adding to its existing hair, skin, and body care merchandise assortment. Texturizing spray, mousse, curl cream, and style gel are all part of the new line. For a more personalized experience, any of the company’s 10 Hair Goal Boosters (which include options to soothe the scalp or boost hair growth) can be paired with any of the products.

Retail Dive

NEW PRESCRIPTION BENEFIT FOR AMAZON PRIME MEMBERS

Amazon Pharmacy has introduced a new program called “RxPass” which allows customers to purchase a monthly or annual subscription for discounted prices on certain medications. The program also offers free two-day delivery on eligible prescription drugs. This is an effort by Amazon to expand its presence in the healthcare industry and make it more convenient for customers to purchase their medications.

Chain Drug Review

Doctor and Nurse Shortages Hurt Nevadans RAN

THE SHORTAGE OF MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS

IN NEVADA IS a problem that affects the overall health and well-being of its residents. This shortage can be attributed to a number of factors, including an aging population, an increase in chronic diseases, and a lack of funding for education and training programs.

One of the main reasons for the shortage of medical professionals in Nevada is the aging population. As the population ages, there is an increased demand for healthcare services, which puts a strain on the current workforce. This is particularly true for primary care physicians, as older adults are more likely to have multiple chronic health conditions that require regular monitoring and management.

Another factor contributing to the shortage of medical professionals in Nevada is the increase in chronic diseases. Conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer are becoming more prevalent in the state, and they

Staff Report

require ongoing care and management. This puts additional pressure on the healthcare system, as there are not enough medical professionals to meet the growing demand for care.

A lack of funding for education and training programs is also a significant contributor to the shortage of medical

medical school can be prohibitively expensive.

The shortage of medical professionals in Nevada has a number of negative consequences for residents. One of the most significant is the lack of access to primary care. When there are not enough primary care physicians, patients are often forced to seek care in emergency departments or urgent care centers. This is not only more expensive, but it also leads to longer wait times and poorer health outcomes.

professionals in Nevada. Many students who want to enter the healthcare field cannot afford the high cost of education and training. This is particularly true for those who want to become primary care physicians, as the cost of

Additionally, the shortage of medical professionals in Nevada also affects the quality of care. When there are not enough medical professionals to provide care, patients may not receive the appropriate level of care, or they may not receive it in a timely manner. This can lead to serious health complications, and in some cases, it can even be fatal.

Another negative consequence of the shortage of medical professionals in Nevada is the increased burnout among healthcare

workers. When there are not enough medical professionals to meet the demand for care, healthcare workers are often forced to work longer hours and take on a greater workload. This can lead to burnout and job dissatisfaction, which can negatively impact the quality of care provided. In conclusion, the shortage of medical professionals in Nevada is a major problem that affects the overall health and well-being of its residents. This shortage can be attributed to a number of factors, including an aging population, an increase in chronic diseases, and a lack of funding for education and training programs. It has negative consequences for residents, including lack of access to primary care, poor quality of care and increased burnout among healthcare workers. It is important for the state of Nevada to address this issue by providing more funding for education and training programs and incentives for medical professionals to practice in Nevada. ■

“The shortage of medical professionals in Nevada has a number of negative consequences for residents. One of the most significant is the lack of access to primary care.”

Joe Lombardo Governor

Richard Whitley, MS Director

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

DIVISION OF WELFARE AND SUPPORTIVE SERVICES

Helping people. It’s who we are and what we do.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 11, 2023

Contact: Julie Knight, Public Information Officer, jbknight@dwss.nv.gov

450,000

Nevadans Will See Reduction in Food Assistance

End of the COVID-19 Federal Public Health Emergency impacts SNAP benefit amounts

Robert Thompson Administrator

Carson City, NV – Since the start of the Coronavirus pandemic in March 2020, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants have received a second monthly payment, known as Supplemental Emergency Allotments (SEA). After March 14, 2023, those second monthly payments will end. Beginning in April, the first monthly payment will be the only benefit.

The Nevada Division of Welfare and Supportive Services, the state agency in charge of administering SNAP, issued SEA payments during the federal government’s Public Health Emergency declaration for as long as allowable. The recent omnibus bill passed by Congress includes a provision that effectively ends the Public Health Emergency declaration in February, thus ending the additional SNAP benefit payments.

In total, DWSS has issued over $1 billion in supplemental emergency SNAP benefits to Nevada households during the PHE declaration. Ahead of this change, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Services has bolstered budgets for food banks around the country to help address food insecurity.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program formerly known as "Food Stamps," SNAP is designed to help low-income families buy nutritious food from approved stores. Apply at Access Nevada, or call 1-800-992-0900.

Additional information about local food banks can be found by contacting Three Square (702-765-4030, Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm) or Food Bank of Northern Nevada. For additional community resources, call 211.

Creating Diversity in Personal Care Products RAN Staff Report

ELNORA HARRIS BELIEVES

IT IS CRITICALLY IMPORTANT for children of color to be represented in children’s products and making products more approachable will improve the overall health of racially diverse families. After watching her youngest daughter use a toothbrush with a popular Caucasian pop icon, Harris realized the significant lack of diversity and not only wanted her daughter to see someone who looks like her every morning when she is brushing her teeth, she wanted to create a brand that encouraged positive health habits by making her daughter and other racially diverse children feel special, beautiful, and included.

Drawing from this inspiration and reflecting

on her own childhood, Harris realized adding diversity to these products has the potential to improve the oral health and hygiene of an entire generation by creating a more positive relationship with oral health for Black children. She recalled her own experiences with dental care being limited to services provided to the Boys and Girls Club that she attended.

In February of 2022 Harris started “Our Reflections” and created a toothbrush brand for Black youth and other children of color. The FDA approved toothbrushes reinforce positive dental habits using lights and timers to help encourage proper brushing. The goal of Our Reflections is to create positive self-image in ethnically diverse children with products that reflect their ethnicity, building

confidence with positive messaging.

“I want my children and all children in minority communities to see images of characters that reflect them on everyday basic essentials,” said Harris. “Our Reflections intends to partner with dentists to reduce the disparities in the rate of cavities among low income, uninsured and racially diverse children and integrate oral health care products that children would be excited to use every day. We feel our messaging and beautiful characters will help improve a child’s self-image.”

Our Reflections hopes to expand into other children’s products in the future, first with a toothpaste line, followed by cups, hairbrushes and combs, mirrors, and merchandising to fill a gap in the marketplace with minority children and heroes. Since the fame of Disney’s Tiana has faded, there has not been a significant effort to maintain racially diverse characters on store shelves. Harris’ goal is to add a variety of relatable and approachable characters representing the many diverse and

beautiful skin tones of children.

“Our Reflections fills a gap in the marketplace for personal care products designed for children of color to be represented,” Harris said. “I don’t want another generation to grow up feeling like they are different. Inclusive products build a child’s self-esteem and tell them they are beautiful because they can see the representation of themselves and their culture. Children of all ethnic groups deserve to see themselves on products, just like their counterparts.”

To learn more about Our Reflections and the need for creating diversity in personal products, visit OurReflections.com or contact Elnora at eharris@ ourreflections.com or 702.551.4663. ■

Elnora Harris

President/CEO Bryan Wachter Senior Vice President Elizabeth MacMenamin Vice President of Government Affairs Piper Brown Vice President, Finance and Administration

Megan Bedera Editor

Sue Arzillo, Alphabet Soup Inc. Newsletter Design & Layout

February is American Heart Month!

DID

YOU KNOW THAT PEOPLE WHO HAVE

CLOSE relationships at home, work, or in their community tend to be healthier and live longer? One reason, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), is that we’re more successful at meeting our health goals when we work on them with others. NHLBI launched the #OurHearts movement to inspire us to protect and strengthen our hearts with the support of others.

Heart disease is a leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. Most middle-aged and young adults have one or more risk factors for heart disease, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or being a smoker or overweight. Having multiple risk factors increases your risk for heart disease.

WHY CONNECTING IS GOOD FOR YOUR HEART

Feeling connected with others and having positive, close relationships benefit

our overall health, including our blood pressure and weight. Having people in our lives who motivate and care for us helps, as do feelings of closeness and companionship.

Follow these hearthealthy lifestyle tips to protect your heart. It will be easier and more successful if you work on them with others, including by texting or phone calls if needed.

l Be more physically active.

l Maintain a healthy weight.

l Eat a nutritious diet. Quit smoking. Reduce stress. Get 7-8 hours of quality sleep.

l Track your heart health stats.

You don’t have to make big changes all at once. Small steps will get you where you want to go. ■