Every year we promise to bring a positive change in our lifestyle but rarely manage to keep up with it. In the year 2016, let’s shift our focus on heart health and shelter it against potential dangers.
During winter months, the Heart has to work harder in order to maintain body heat. What’s more… there’s also something about the holiday season that takes a toll on the heart
Did you know…?
During the average human lifetime, the heart beats roughly 2.5 billion times. Such a hard-working muscle definitely deserves a little extra attention. Don’t you think…?
A healthy heart is a happy heart. Here are five things you can do every day to keep your heart healthy:
Never skip your breakfast – According to a new study, starting the day off with a healthy meal not only gives the body sufficient energy to carry out day-to-day activities but is also known to reduce the risk of a heart disease
Get Moving – Stay heart healthy by including some form of physical activity in your daily routine. Just 30 minutes of workout, three or more times a week will shed those extra pounds and promote better functioning of the heart
Make smart food choices – Preventing heart disease isn’t just about avoiding unhealthy food items. Your diet should also include foods that are rich in nutrients, fiber, and healthy fats. Most fruits & vegetables, nuts, seeds, & legumes, whole grains, like brown rice and other unrefined carbs are good for your heart
Quit smoking – Experts believe that smokers are 3 times more likely to die from Heart Disease as compared to Nonsmokers. Tobacco injures blood vessel walls and accelerates the process of hardening the arteries. People who smoke tobacco are at risk for several cancers, heart/lung diseases, circulatory disease and stroke.
Manage your weight – Excess body weight increases your risk for heart disease, among other disorders
Cut back on junk food, oily/greasy munchies, sugar-laden drinks, salty food items and nibbles that are high in saturated or Trans fats. The key is to reduce your portion size of every meal and consume 4 to 5 small-sized meals throughout the day
Sleep like a baby – Sleep is the body’s way of healing and refueling. Sleep deprivation has shown to have a disastrous impact on the overall health, not to mention the pressure it puts on your heart. Researchers believe that lack of sleep raises the risk of developing or dying from heart disease and stroke
De-stress/ Take a break – Over 90% of diseases are caused or complicated by stress. A stressful relationship or a highly demanding job could be doing more than just wearing you down each day. It could also be increasing your chances of having a variety of serious medical conditions like high blood pressure and heart disease. One way to de-stress is by signing up for a hobby class or indulging in some or the other form of recreational and fun activity.
Find more reasons to smile – Research shows that laughter reduces stress hormones, lowers blood pressure, boosts immune system and even gives the body a fun and enjoyable cardio and abdominal workout.
Reduce your alcohol intake – Excessive consumption of alcohol accelerates the heart rate and increases blood pressure which in turn doubles the risk of a heart disease.
Schedule a periodic health test – Do not let your health take a backseat. Getting tested regularly will not only keep a tab on your blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar etc. but also give you a better understanding of your current heart health