American Heart Month is the ideal time to review your lifestyle and adopt behaviors that maintain your heart health. Southwood’s Cardiology wants to remind you that small changes to your routines can make a difference and reduce the risk of suffering from heart disease as well as other heart issues
Here are six tips to maintain your heart health From Southwoods Cardiology:
Maintain A Healthy Diet
A healthy diet is essential to every healthy lifestyle, but particularly in relation to the heart. Eating healthy fats, cutting down on sugar and salt, and eating plenty of produce and whole grains will help keep your cholesterol levels at a minimum and keep your heart healthy. Providing your body with the right nutrients can make a big difference in your heart health.
Keep Active
Being active and exercising can help reduce your risk of a cardiovascular disease or heart attack while improving the overall quality of your health. It is suggested that adults engage in 30 minutes of exercise at least five times a week to improve heart health. While treadmill running or doing weights in the gym are good alternatives, other activities such as having fun outside, playing with your children and walking your dog, or working in the yard can help increase your heart rate and work into your busy schedule.
Stop Smoking
Smoking can increase your chance of getting lung diseases, cancer and heart-related diseases. If you’re a smoker and want to quit, taking the steps necessary to stop smoking can benefit the overall quality of your life. The decision to stop smoking isn’t easy; however, there are solutions, including medication and counseling, support groups and much more, to assist you in your efforts to stop smoking.
Be Watchful of Your Weight
Many struggle with weight issues, but making a few changes in your lifestyle and routines can help you shed some pounds and maintain an appropriate weight. By making healthier choices in your food while exercising and not sitting at a TV or on the computer, you can reduce your risk of suffering from heart disease while also improving your general health.
Get enough sleep
Sleeping enough can bring many advantages, particularly for heart health. Sleeping in deep lets your body enter periods of lower blood pressure and a lower heart rate, which allows your body to recuperate and replenish the energy needed to stay energized for the following day. Try to get 8-10 hours of sleeping every night.
Reduce Stress
Focusing on managing stress and your mental well-being is an essential element of maintaining your heart’s health. Your mind’s influence has a significant influence on your body, and being healthy in your mind can affect the physical health of your body. In the modern world, dealing with stress is a challenge; however, making sure that you are able to find outlets such as an enjoyable activity, meditation, or yoga can allow you to relax and reduce stress.
Southwoods Cardiology says while these guidelines are straightforward but they could make a significant impact and ensure that your heart is at its most efficient. In February and throughout the year be sure to keep these suggestions in mind to boost general health, and maintain your heart’s strength.
Southwood’s Cardiology is committed to providing top-quality, complete care. We work with your primary physician to ensure your the care you receive is coordinated. If you’re looking for cardiovascular treatment and would like to have having an evaluation, call your primary care physician to request an appointment.
