Focus on Heart Health During American Heart Month

By Brandi Swieter

February is American Heart Month, a time dedicated to spreading the word about heart disease and ways to prevent it. With the heart one of the most vital organs within the body, it’s a shame more people aren’t focusing their efforts on heart health and keeping it in healthy shape. Take some time to get educated and start putting your heart first, not just in February, but every month.

Switch Out Spices for Salt

Salt is terrible for the heart, with an increased intake of sodium known for causing heart attacks. Rather than seasoning meat with seasoned and regular salt, try other spices instead. Many spice options, such as pepper, garlic, and oregano, are good for the body and bring no harsh side effects. They make excellent alternatives for flavoring foods without worry.

Maintain Weight

Being both underweight and overweight can place excess stress on the heart as it works overtime. One of the best things a person can do for their cardiovascular health is to maintain their weight at an ideal level. By looking at a BMI chart and discovering which weight works best for a person of your gender, age, and height, you’ll see which number to strive to reach on the scale.

Keep Stress Levels Low

This is easier said than done, but keeping stress levels low is a great way to keep the heart healthy. It can prove difficult to avoid stress altogether, but finding some coping techniques will help ensure people focus on positivity rather than negativity, not allowing their anger to get the best of them and raising their blood pressure. This can in turn cause the heart to work overtime, which isn’t good for it. Things like writing in a journal and taking some personal time for relaxation can help.

Get Physical

Physical activity helps the heart remain active and working as intended. With the muscles working and the blood flowing, the heart can keep arteries and vessels unclogged. While aerobic exercise, such as jogging, is best, any type will help to get the body in shape and heart pumping as needed to maintain overall health.

Heart health is important to remember during American Heart Month and the rest of the year. Heart disease is a leading killer of both men and women, with 1 in 4 deaths caused by this often preventative problem. Focus more on your heart and improve your health to keep yourself safe.

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Apex, N.C.

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