Your Heart Disease Risk – Taking care of your Heart this Heart Month
It’s the time of the year again, when many people exchange cards, candy, gifts or flowers with their special “valentine.” The month of February, is where the day of romance we call Valentine’s Day will take place. And traditionally use the human heart as the symbol of love. Here are some tips to help you lessen the risk of heart disease this love season.
Cardiovascular disease which includes heart disease is the number 1 killer of women and men in the United States. CVD does not affect all groups of people in the same way. Having a close relative who has heart disease puts you at higher risk for CVD. Many CVD deaths could have been prevented through healthier habits, healthier living spaces, and better management of conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes.
You can control a number of risk factors for heart disease, including:
- Lack of Physical activity
- Smoking
- Obesity
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol levels
- Diabetes
Try out these strategies for better heart health. You’ll be surprised how many of them can become lifelong habits!
Get your cholesterol checked. Your health care team should test your cholesterol levels at least once every 5 years. Talk with your health care professional about this simple blood test.
Monitor blood pressure. High blood pressure often has no symptoms, so be sure to have it checked on a regular basis. You can check your blood pressure at home, at a pharmacy, or at a doctor’s office
Eat healthy. Choosing healthful meal and snack options can help you avoid CVD and its complications. Limiting sodium in your diet can lower your blood pressure. Be sure to eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables—adults should have at least five servings each day. Eating foods low in saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol and high in fiber.
Increase Physical Activity or Exercise regularly. Physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight and lower cholesterol and blood pressure. The Surgeon General recommends that adults should engage in moderate-intensity activity for at least 150 minutes per week. Remember to incorporate exercise into your day in different ways: take the stairs instead of the elevator, or rake the yard instead of using the leaf blower. Exercising with friends and family can be a great way to stay healthy and have fun.
Stop smoking. Cigarette smoking greatly increases your risk for CVD. If you don’t smoke, don’t start. If you do smoke, quit as soon as possible. Your health care team can suggest ways to help you quit.
Limit alcohol intake. Avoid drinking too much alcohol, which can increase your blood pressure. Men should stick to no more than two drinks per day, and women to no more than one.
Manage your diabetes. If you have diabetes, monitor your blood sugar levels closely, and talk with your health care team about treatment options.
Take your medicine. If you’re taking medication to treat high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or another condition, follow the instructions carefully. Always ask questions if you don’t understand something. If you have side effects, talk with your health care team about your options.
Together, we all can prevent and manage heart disease, one step at a time. For natural health supplements like Heart Savior, that can help you take care of your healthy heart, please visit New Health Corp website at https://newhealthcorp.com/