February is Heart Health Month.

Schools in central Illinois are taking the opportunity to promote heart health with its students and the University of Illinois Extension is doing the same by promoting healthy eating. On the WHOW Morning Show Thursday, Caitlin Mellendorf told Regional Radio, you want to be mindful of four things as you consume food.

Sodium can bring an individual's blood pressure up and fat can increase your cholesterol.

Fiber is a great way to move out cholesterol. Mellendorf says added sugars increase the likelihood of cardiovascular issues.

Mellendorf has plenty more on a healthy heart at extension.illinois.edu.