Keep Your Heart Healthy

Posted on 02-15-2017

February is certainly the month we pay the most attention to matters of the heart.  Red is no longer just a symbol of love this month, but many wear red as a way to bring awareness to heart disease.  Although heart disease is the leading cause of death among men and women in the United States, the good new is it's also the most preventable disease.  So, let's take a look at some of the ways to keep our hearts healthy!

Move Your Body

A sedentary lifestyle is linked to all kinds of diseases, and heart disease is certainly on top of that list. There are many ways to get your blood pumping, heart rate up that doesn't require gym equipment. Dance, jump rope, go for a 45 minute brisk walk, go hiking, ride a bike or find a set of stairs to climb up and down.  You will find all kinds of different exercises on Youtube that you can do for free. Get your family involved with a game of tennis, soccer, or just going for a run together.  It's a great way to instill in your kids early on that exercise should be a way of life.

Fuel Your Body 

The internet is loaded with healthy recipes that are easy and flavorful.  Eating healthy shouldn't be a struggle with so many blogs and websites that give ideas for every meal of the day, seven days a week.  Replace unhealthy fats with healthy fats like avocados.  Cut the salt and season with fresh herbs instead. Add color to each meal with a combination of vegetables and fruits that provide fuel for your body.  Avoid frying and do more grilling...even using a small indoor grill during the cold months.  Making changes to your diet will help you stay healthy and give you energy you need every day.

De-Stress!

Yes, stress and worry will break down your body and give way to illness and exhaustion.  Help your body destress with mindful meditation - break away from the electronics.  Do yoga or stretches before you go to bed to help your body relax and let go of the tensions of the day.  Read more, do a puzzle, or buy an adult coloring book.  These things help turn your mind off for a little while and become more mindful.  Develop good breathing techniques to calm your body.  Also, laugh more!  Laughter is proven to lower stress hormones and increase "good" HDL cholesterol.

Routine Check-Up

It's important to stay on top of your health with routine wellness exams from your physician.  Have blood work done to see where your numbers are so that you know what you need more or less of in your day-to-day living.  Don't rely on how you feel, but stay in charge of your health in order to ensure a healthy future for yourself.

February is a great reminder to love yourself and your family enough to develop or increase a healthy lifestyle so that your heart stays happy and strong.  For more information or to make a donation, please visit the American Heart Association website.

http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/