Improve your heart health
Heart disease kills more Americans than all cancers combined. It is the number one killer of both men and women. Fortunately, advances in medicine and self-care give individuals far more control over your heart health than ever.
Experts say that eighty percent of heart disease is preventable. You can start making small changes that will improve your heart health.
Improving your heart health and reducing your risk of heart disease is essential for living a vigorous and happy retirement as we age.
To promote heart health:
- Include physical activity in your daily routine. Try walking, swimming or other activities you enjoy. Regular moderate physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight and lower your heart disease risk.
- Eat a healthy diet. Choose vegetables, fruits, whole grains, high-fiber foods and lean sources of protein, such as fish. Limit foods high in saturated fat and salt.
- Don’t smoke. Smoking contributes to the hardening of your arteries and increases your blood pressure and heart rate. If you smoke or use other tobacco products, ask your doctor to help you quit.
- Manage stress. Stress can take a toll on your heart. Take steps to reduce stress, such as meditation, exercise or talk therapy.
- Get enough sleep. Quality sleep plays an important role in the healing and repair of your heart and blood vessels. Aim for seven to nine hours a night.
You can enjoy a healthy heart at any age and the extraordinary lifestyle that can accompanied it by knowing and managing your healthy heart related numbers like blood pressure, total cholesterol, A1C and body mass index.
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