Help for Your Heart

February is American Heart Month, the perfect time to think about ways to keep your heart healthy. It’s empowering to know that there are lifestyle choices we can make to increase our chances of living a longer, healthier life. Here are some heart-healthy habits:

·         Don’t smoke—I know this is easier said than done for those addicted to nicotine, but just remember, breaking the habit could save your life.

·         Exercise—you don’t have to run a marathon; start with running around the block, meeting a friend at the racquetball court or swimming some laps. Even 30 minutes of vigorous exercise three times a week will make a big difference.

·         Maintain a healthy weight—exercising will go a long way toward getting you to your goal, but making healthy eating a priority is also key. Load up on those vegetables and fruits, and stick to whole grains and low-fat proteins, such as fish and chicken.

·         Keep alcohol intake moderate—the American Heart Association recommends keeping alcohol intake to one-to-two drinks a day for men and one a day for women. Or better yet, don’t drink at all.

·         Take a stand against stress—some stress in life is unavoidable, but find ways to reduce it (again exercise can help). Yoga and meditation can also be powerful weapons in the war on stress, as can a fun and relaxing hobby, such as making music, bird-watching, knitting or woodworking.

·         Control your conditions—work with a physician to manage conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.

·         Steer away from salt—get adventurous with herbs and spices in your cooking. There are lots of ways to have flavor with less sodium. Read labels—many pre-packaged and canned goods are loaded with salt. And here’s a secret: low sodium alternatives may not taste great at first, but you can train your palate to want less salt by consistently having less salt. So stick with it.

I invite you to join me in taking the tips above to heart, both for your own good and for the sake of family and friends who love you.

Be well!