How to Keep Your Heart Healthy

Nutrition, exercise and stress management are all part of a heart-healthy lifestyle. Some small changes are easy, such as using spices to season your food instead of salt. Other changes take time before they become a regular habit. Here are the top ways you can start living a heart-healthy life:

5 Heart Health Tips

1. 1. 1. Control Your Weight: Obesity is one of the leading causes of heart disease. Carrying around extra weight can damage your heart and vascular system. Maintaining a healthy weight will reduce your risk of heart disease.
      2. Be Active: Regular physical activity reduces your risk for high blood pressure, heart disease and other chronic conditions. The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommend that adults aim for 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate aerobic activity each week like walking fast, dancing or swimming. They also recommend doing muscle-strengthening activities like lifting weights or using exercise bands – at least 2 days a week.
      3. Live Smoke Free: Living smoke-free is one of the best things you can do to protect your heart. This also includes avoiding secondhand smoke from close relatives and friends. Encourage the smokers in your life to put down their cigarettes.
      4. Manage Your Cholesterol: Cholesterol is found in all cells of your body. If you have too much cholesterol in your blood, it can build up plaque and block arteries. To learn more about cholesterol, register for a “Understanding Cholesterol” class below. In this class we will break down everything you need to know about cholesterol. We hope to empower you to lower your cholesterol and optimize your blood test results.
      5. Lower Your Blood Pressure: If you have high blood pressure there are many things you can do to lower it. Try to limit your alcohol intake to one drink per day. Eat more fruits, vegetables, lean protein and whole grains. Also, manage your stress levels. These changes often can bring your blood pressure into the normal range.

Do you still have questions? Attend a class to help you achieve you heart health goals.

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