Prioritizing Heart Health Throughout the Day
By Donna Stark
In honor of American Heart Month, let's take a few minutes to talk about the importance of good cardiovascular health. Did you know that heart disease is one of the country's leading causes of death and disability? In addition to that, the costs associated with it are through the roof! Fortunately, there are some simple changes you can make that will go a long way to improving the health of your heart. And the best part about these changes is that you can make them in every area of your life! Take a look.
Maintaining a Healthy Heart at Home
Good health should encompass every part of your day, but you know as well as I do that it always starts at the home. Here are some tips on how you can treat your heart with a little more tender, loving care.
- Exercise every day - Be sure to get at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise every day. Daily exercise helps to lower blood pressure, decrease inflammation, improve circulation, and reduce stress.
- Use heart-healthy oils - Use a heart-healthy oil like extra-virgin olive oil for sauteing and cooking, and reduce the number of fried foods you consume. Instead, try to bake, boil, roast, or steam the ingredients in your meals.
- Eat more fruits, vegetables, and grains - Adding more produce and whole grains to your diet is a great way to improve your heart health because they are naturally lower in saturated fat and higher in the kind of fiber that helps lower cholesterol levels.
Maintaining a Healthy Heart at Work
Since you are at your job for a huge part of your day, carrying your health habits from home to work is a must! Check out these tips that will keep your heart pumping as healthily as it can while you are busy pumping out your work.
- Bring Your Own Snacks - Skip the vending machine snacks and bring your own healthier options to work with you. Sliced fruit, yogurt, raw vegetables and hummus are some items that are quick and easy to pack!
- Avoid Donut Friday - If you don't want to miss out on the end of the week treat, bring a healthier alternative to share with everyone. A fruit salad or some blueberry bran muffins will fit the bill here!
- Add movement to your day - Don't forget to add some extra movement to your day too. Stand up during your business calls, take the stairs instead of the elevator, and invite your colleagues for a walk during your meetings.
A Healthy Heart for Life
Remember, the small changes you make today will have a tremendous impact on the health of your heart in the future, so don't delay! Prioritize your heart's health as soon as you can and continue with your new habits from here on out.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Happy Valley, Ore.