Follow These Tips for Better Heart Health
By the LiveNow team
In February, you may notice more people wearing the color red. Why is this? February is National Heart Month. Each year, more than 600,000 Americans die from heart disease – roughly one out of every four deaths. The financial and emotional toll of heart disease quite possibly has affected you in way or another, whether it’s losing someone from it, or experiencing issues yourself.
This February, take steps to care for your heart. Here are a few easy ways to give your body what it needs and take care of your heart – one of the most important organs in your body:
Start or Maintain a Heart-Healthy Diet
Eat foods that support heart health by lowering cholesterol, blood pressure and reducing inflammation, such as:
- Oats
- Dark leafy greens
- Nuts and seeds
- Try adding lemon, or vinegar, when you would normally use salt
Get Plenty of Sleep
- Seven to nine hours recommended
- Too much, or too little, can change the way our bodies function and affect blood pressure
Exercise Daily and Stop Smoking
- Do what you can do and move as you are able
- Aerobic, resistance and flexibility exercises are key
- Reduce/stop tobacco and nicotine products
Find a Way to Manage Your Stress
We can never avoid stress entirely. But we can try.
- Find an activity or hobby you can use in times of stress
- Try deep breathing
- Research meditation methods
- Try a mind-body exercise workout
By Evan Moore, Well-Being Specialist
