Happy Valentine’s Day!
Give the gift of a healthy heart this year and every year. February is American Heart Month and there is no better time to make a few changes and commit to a healthier lifestyle.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. To prevent heart disease and increase awareness of its effects, you can make healthy changes to lower your risk of developing heart disease. Controlling and preventing risk factors is also important for people who already have heart disease.
To lower your risk:
- Exercise – try to incorporate 30-60 minutes of physical activity into your daily routine at least three days a week. Exercise, along with other lifestyle measures, can reduce your risk of heart disease.
- Eat healthy – diets which include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and fish, and are low in salt, sugar and saturated/trans fats, can help protect your heart.
- Get enough sleep – getting enough quality sleep can reduce your risk of high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, depression and heart attack. Most adults need between 7-9 hours of sleep a night.
- Visit your doctor – schedule regular check-ups and screenings with your doctor for blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes.
- Quit Smoking – smoking is one of the most significant risk factors for developing heart disease. Your risk for heart disease begins to lower as soon as you quit smoking and reduces significantly after one year.
Small changes can make a big difference, so start making them today!
For more information talk to your doctor or visit:
https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-disease/basics/definition/con-20034056