Preventing an Achy Breaky Heart
February is not just for candy and paper hearts—it’s also American Heart Health Month! There’s always talk about keeping your heart healthy, taking preventative measures to avoid heart disease, and products advertising it’s heart health benefits. It can all be a bit overwhelming, and it can be hard to tell what is actually helpful. Are my morning Cheerios increasing my heart heath, or am I just buying endless boxes because it says it does and I don’t know what else I can do for myself? I think we both know the answer to that question.
Heart Disease and heart related illness is the #1 cause of death in the US, so making sure you are staying active, eating heart healthy foods, and taking daily measures to keep your ticker in tip-top shape is vital. But where to start? Well look no further—that’s what we are here for.
Here are some helpful, heart healthy tips and activities:
Stay Active and Maintain a Healthy Weight. Keeping your body active and incorporating at least 30 minutes of exercise per day will help decrease your risk of heart disease. Anything that will get your heart beating faster counts – Take a brisk walk, dance around your home, or ride your bike somewhere!
Quit Smoking. I know, I know. If you smoke you have heard and seen this everywhere, so here it is again: QUIT! Smoking increases your risk of heart disease and heart attack and puts those around you at risk as well. Secondhand smoke can be just as deadly to those around you—and this includes loved ones and your pets. Do this for them, your heart and most importantly for yourself.
Eat Healthier. Millennials, rejoice! Your avocado toast is actually a great source of multiple heart healthy foods. There are so many different foods that benefit your heart health. To name a few there are fatty fish, berries, dark chocolate. Beans, whole grains, avocados, I could go on. If you have a favorite dish or type of food you like to eat, Google heart healthy recipes and see what is out there! You’ll be surprised how many amazing meals are out there that are geared specifically to heart health. Also, yes there are said to be benefits to red wine and a healthy heart, BUT only in moderation. One drink or less is recommended per day for women, and 2 or less for men. So, sure, the Merlot will have some benefits, but too much will have adverse effects.
Manage Your Stress. Stress can cause high blood pressure, depression and heart disease. Finding ways to unwind and destress throughout the day is important to your overall physical and mental health. Do yourself a favor and set aside time to go outside and take a walk, play a game or read a book you enjoy for a bit, or do some meditation throughout the day to recenter and refocus. Life can be hard, but with a little self-care, your heart will thank you.
OK BUT DO CHEERIOS HELP?! Well, yes and no. There are cholesterol-lowering soluble fibers in Cheerios that will help keep your cholesterol down, but it does not prevent heart disease. Here is the article I found—so take a look!
