Last Updated: February 13, 2025
It’s American Heart Month, and Certified Community Health Worker Cedá Cosby sees caring for your heart as an act of love: “I have to be healthy, because I have loved ones who need me,” she says.
As RHHD’s CHW for Chronic Disease, Cedá takes inspiration from her grandmother. “I’ve watched her walk every day for more than 40 years, and she eats healthy foods. So when she faces other health issues, she doesn’t have underlying health concerns, and she has more of an ability to fight.”
Cedá’s work now focuses on empowering people to prevent and manage chronic conditions like high blood pressure. When we learn more about keeping our own hearts healthy, we can pass that knowledge along to others, too! Here are some of Cedá’s most important pieces of advice:
Knowledge is a healthcare strategy.
Cedá knows plenty of people who avoid taking their blood pressure or going to the doctor because they’re scared of what they might learn. “When I know it, I can respond to it,” she says. “Once you learn how to manage and take care of a chronic condition, you’re helping to take a burden off your family.”
Learn how: There are lots of options for reading your blood pressure regularly. Many of the Richmond Public Library locations have blood pressure kits, as do local pharmacies. Taking and recording your blood pressure often can help you see what patterns are emerging—and when you might need to make some changes.
Nutrition and movement are key.
Almost every chronic condition benefits from healthy eating and physical activity. Cedá loves to dance as part of her regular movement, and she adds lots of fruit to her meals. “I’m also a rotisserie chicken girl—I try to move towards baked foods and steamed vegetables, she says.”
Learn how: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains helps lower blood pressure and cholesterol. The American Heart Association has a great database of heart healthy recipes. You can find activity options through the Parks and Recreation departments in Richmond and in Henrico.
Connect—with yourself and with others.
Cedá uses meditation and community connection to reduce stress, because it can negatively impact heart health. “Meditation is like turning off the radio in your head,” she says. And for seniors in particular, having avenues to socialize in positive ways can make a huge difference.
Learn how: Both Richmond and Henrico offer lists of programming specifically for seniors. Cedá ealso ncourages everyone to turn out for Richmond’s “For the Love of Our Seniors” Valentine’s Day Celebration and Resource Fair from 11 am to 3 pm on Friday, February 14, at Main Street Station. The event, hosted by Councilmemer Cynthia Newbille and Richmond’s Office of Aging and Disability Services, includes free lunch, health screenings, entertainment, and door prizes. It’s an opportunity to meet one another and to receive valuable education!
With a few healthy habits, we can all become more like Cedá’s grandmother. “She always says, ‘if you think old, you’re gonna feel old, and if you think young, you’re gonna feel young.’ And she’s right!” Cedá says.
Keep an eye out for more of Cedá’s healthy heart work coming your way. In the meantime, take five minutes today to share a healthy heart habit with a loved one. It’s one of the best Valentines you can give!
