As Heart Month comes to a close, let’s commit to making positive changes that benefit our hearts year-round. There are many things each of us can do to improve controllable risk factors for heart disease, including:
- Early Prevention: Have your blood pressure and cholesterol checked regularly. Your doctor can provide suggestions to help you manage your health.
- Exercise: Regular physical activity can help control cholesterol and blood pressure and maintain a healthy weight. Work to find an activity that you enjoy!
- Stress Management: Creating new healthy habits can help you cope with stress. Some coping strategies include engaging in regular physical activity, getting organized, and getting enough sleep.
- Diet: Eating a heart-healthy diet can reduce your risk for heart disease. Eating fiber-rich foods can help you reduce cholesterol and manage your weight. Additionally, salt can raise your blood pressure – reduce your intake by flavoring foods with spices and herbs, buying fresh or frozen whole foods rather than canned, and limiting processed foods.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States and is a major cause of disability. About 630,000 people die of heart disease in the U.S. every year – that’s one in every four deaths. By understanding the importance of heart health, you can move toward a healthier lifestyle.
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