The Lead Live Podcast: Monday, Feb. 2, 2026

Peterson Health experts kicked off Heart Healthy Month on the Feb. 2, 2026, episode of The Lead Live, providing listeners with insights into preventative care, symptom awareness and fitness for longevity.

Nurse Practitioner Jenna Cummings, a specialist in cardiac and pulmonary medicine, stressed the importance of catching issues early, advocating for “modifiable life changes” within the American Heart Association’s “Life’s Essential 8” framework. Cummings noted that heart attack symptoms in women are often subtler than in men, sometimes presenting as “overwhelming fatigue,” which can lead to misdiagnosis and a higher death rate.

Wellness Coordinator Jessi Kearns focused on practical wellness tips. She highlighted that a 10-minute walk after a large meal can reduce blood sugar spikes by up to 50 percent, and she emphasized maintaining “lower extremity strength” and “connection” as key indicators of longevity. When discussing the use of GLP-1 medications for weight loss, Kearns warned they must be combined with resistance strength training to prevent muscle deterioration.

The segment concluded with an announcement for the “Deep in the Heart” race, featuring a 5K and 10K run, scheduled for Feb. 28 at the Schreiner Trailhead. Cummings also encouraged community members to participate in “wear red days” every Friday in February to raise awareness for women’s heart health.