February is heart health month and it’s a great time to raise awareness and learn what you can do to reduce your risk of heart disease. Because many cases of heart disease are controllable, you can take charge of your health by actively working to improve it by making some simple lifestyle changes and making yourself and your health a priority.
Self Care
Self care is about taking time to pay attention to you, in a way that ensures that you are being cared for by you. Did you know that half of Americans have at least one of the top 3 risk factors for heart disease: high blood pressure, high cholesterol or smoking? Did you know heart disease doesn’t just happen to older adults? In fact, millions of Americans of all ages have high blood pressure, including millions of people in their 40s and 50s. About half of the people with high blood pressure don’t have it under control. Having uncontrolled high blood pressure is one of the biggest risks for heart disease and other harmful conditions, such as stroke.
Tips From Our Nurse Advocate:
- Cut back on salt. Try tingling your taste buds by experimenting with a range of spices such as basil, cayenne and chili powder, dill or garlic to season your food…you won’t even miss the salt.
- Maintain a heart-healthy diet. Create a healthy meal plan that emphasizes vegetables, fruits and whole grains. Limit high fat foods such as red meat, cheese and baked goods.
- Quit smoking and stay away from secondhand smoke.
- Get active! Walking is a great way to get started.
- If you drink alcohol, drink only in moderation.
- Get your ZZZ’s. Sleep varies from person to person, but adults need 7-9 hours of sleep to function at their best.
- Make yourself a priority. Find a little bit of time to do something you love every day.
Overall, a great way to get started toward a healthier heart is to set up your annual preventive wellness exams. Do all you can do to keep yourself healthy. With that being said, ask for help when you need it and take time for yourself to enjoy things you love.
