PRINCETON — Little steps can turn into life-saving steps in the fight against heart disease, according to state health officials.

In recognition of February as American Heart Month, Dr. LaMar Hasbrouck, director of the Illinois Department of Public Health, has urged Illinois residents to know the signs of a heart attack and what can be done to reduce the risk of a heart attack.

“Heart disease doesn’t just start one day in your 40s or 50s. It can be the result of not taking care of yourself over your lifetime – not being physically active, smoking, high stress levels and not eating a nutritious diet,” Hasbrouck said. “What you do in your teens, 20s and 30s can impact your health as you get older. It is important that all age groups embrace a healthy lifestyle and work to lower the chance of having a heart attack or stroke.”