In honor of Valentine’s Day and American Heart Month, here are five things you can do to keep your ticker in top condition:
1. Get Active. When it comes to exercise, every little bit can help your heart stay healthy. You don’t have to participate in a triathlon; start out small by walking around the block, playing with a pet or taking a yoga class. Aim for 30 minutes of activity at least 3 times a week, and try to increase the time and intensity in small increments.
2. Stop Smoking. Smoking can increase blood pressure, damage arteries and limit the amount of oxygen transported to the heart. Although it is a challenging task to accomplish, giving up this habit can have an immediate impact on your heart health. In just 48 hours without a cigarette, your heart attack risk decreases; after a year, your risk of heart attack is slashed in half.
3. Cut Out the Extras. High amounts of sugar, fat and sodium are found in many foods and beverages and, in excess, can all be detrimental to heart health. Be vigilant about what’s going in your body by reading Nutrition Facts labels (take a crash course in labels here) and limiting your intake of these potentially harmful ingredients.
4. Manage Stress. Stress can take a toll on your body, especially your heart. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t forget to take some time out of your day to relax (even if it means saying “no” to another project or time commitment). It’s also important to get at least eight hours of sleep to give your body a chance to recover from a stressful day.
5. Get a Checkup. Visit your doctor regularly to monitor your blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol and overall health. During your visit, it’s important to be honest and give your doc the full details about any health issues you’ve been experiencing.