How to Keep Your Heart Healthy This Valentine’s Day
- Posted on: Jan 15 2019
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Valentine’s Day is coming up, which means that we’re all thinking about love. But, more than love, we start to see red hearts everywhere. The little marketing ploys from candy companies and greeting card companies are delightful, omnipresent, and may be a little reminder if you let them. Does anyone else get reminded of their heart health when they see cute little cartoon hearts? You might say we have hearts on the brain, but we see it as a good thing. Keep reading to learn more about how to keep your heart healthy this Valentine’s Day, and for years to come.
According to WebMD and Harvard Medical School, new studies are coming out that show a correlation with certain behaviors and a lower risk of heart attack risk, and even lowering their risk factors (like high cholesterol). If you can do as many of the below as possible, you might expect to have a healthier heart, and a happier life:
- Don’t smoke or live with a smoker.
- Have a normal body mass index (BMI).
- Get moderate to vigorous exercise for at least 2 1/2 hours a week.
- Watch 7 or fewer hours of television weekly.
- Drink one or fewer alcoholicbeverages daily. Less is better when it comes to alcohol.
- Eat a healthy diet of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, fish, or omega-3 fatty acids — as well as limit sugary drinks, processed and red meats, trans fats, and sodium.
For some of us, the above list might seem like a really tall order. But, nobody said that making changes in your lifestyle would be easy. But, when it comes to lowering your risk of heart attack, it’s definitely worth it!
Try tackling one habit at a time to help you deal with the feeling of being overwhelmed. For example, this year (or for the next six months), make it your goal to watch less television. But instead of just telling yourself “no,” find something enjoyable to fill the time that you would normally spend sitting on the couch. Try taking up racquetball, take the dog on a walk, or call a friend and chat while you’re cleaning out the junk drawer.
You can make changes to improve your health today. Call us today at (407) 767-8554 to learn more.
Posted in: Heart Health
