Do you want to improve your heart health or simply learn more about heart healthy living? Heart disease affects millions of Americans each year, so it’s important to do everything you can now to protect your health! Here are a few of our best heart healthy lifestyle tips:
1. Understand the risk and know your numbers.
The first thing anyone should do when thinking about their heart health is to know your personal family history of heart disease as well as your own medical history and where that places you on the scale of risk. That’s why annual check-ups and consistent monitoring of blood pressure and cholesterol are so important. You also shouldn’t ignore any symptoms or changes in how you feel, even if they may seem minor at the time. Clear communication with your primary care physician can support these preventative measures so you can stay healthy.
2. Follow a Mediterranean diet.
Another of our top heart healthy lifestyle tips is all about what you eat. Fatty foods like fried and fast foods are high in sodium and saturated fats, 2 big categories to eat less of; instead, reach for whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, lean protein like chicken and seafood, low-fat dairy, and whole grains. These make up the pillars of the Mediterranean diet.
3. Drink alcohol in moderation.
For optimal heart health, you should only be drinking alcohol in moderation. As a general rule, women should only have 1 drink or less per day, and for men, 2 drinks or less. Even moderate drinking can increase your risk of chronic health problems, and some people should not drink at all, such as those taking certain prescription medications (reading medicine labels is important!) or those with a preexisting health condition that can be made worse by alcohol.
4. Quit smoking.
Smoking, vaping, and even being around secondhand smoke are some of the top contributors to heart disease and stroke risk, not to mention respiratory issues and cancers. If you currently smoke, resolve to quit, and don’t hesitate to reach out for guidance and support! If you don’t smoke, resolve never to start and try to avoid secondhand smoke as much as possible.
5. Stay active.
One of the best heart healthy lifestyle tips is to simply get up and get moving. Managing your weight through proper diet and exercise is a vital part of cardiovascular health. Explore new ways to enjoy being active, like a swimming aerobics class, biking, yoga, etc. Ask someone to be your accountability partner and support each other’s exercise goals– even a walk around the block is great!
6. Prioritize rest.
Chronic stress not only affects your mental health but also impacts your risk for cardiovascular disease, stroke, and heart attack. It’s a factor in high blood pressure and cholesterol levels, as well as increased inflammation throughout the body. Stress management is key to maintaining your health, so be sure to carve out time for family and friends, hobbies and activities you enjoy, as well as rest and relaxation. In fact, your body needs at least 7 hours of sleep every night!
7. Take an Omega 3 supplement.
Omega Rx is a comprehensive blend of EPA, DHA, ALA, and other essential fatty acids that your body can’t produce, but requires a daily intake from diet alone. Omega 3s are crucial for overall immune function, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant power for heart healthy living.
These are just a few of the top heart healthy lifestyle tips you should know about! Want to learn more about how to be health conscious? Take a look at our wellness blog for more updates about our pharmacy, services, supplements, and additional health tips!
