Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States.American Heart Month started in 1963 as a way to get Americans to join the battle against heart disease. Each year a presidential order makes tribute to researchers, physicians, public health professionals, and volunteers for their efforts in the fight against heart disease.
Don’t know where to start? Here are some tips from the Mayo Clinic and The American Heart Association for improving your heart health:
- Stop smoking. That includes smokeless tobacco products and other products. If you’re not a smoker, be wary of secondhand smoke. Chemicals found in these products are known to decrease the size of your capillaries and arteries, which slows down and restricts the blood flow throughout your body. This makes it more difficult for oxygen to circulate through your body.
- Get moving! Try to get in at least 30 -60 minutes of daily activity. Cardio exercises use repetitive contraction of large muscle groups to get increase your heart rate faster. Consistent cardio workouts can help to lower your blood pressure and cholesterol.
- Eat a healthy diet. Add more vegetables to your diet by adding more color. Also try adding more variety to your diet.The American Heart Association has provided some tips on how you can do so:
- Get Shredded – Grab a grater and start shredding some of your favorite vegetables into your everyday favorites.
- Get Mushy – Try replacing meat in your recipes with hearty vegetables, like mushrooms.
- Be Smooth – When making your favorite smoothie, add in a banana and then throw in some spinach. The sweetness of the banana will help to hide the flavor of any veggies that you may add in.
- Maintain a healthy weight. Make sure that you’re not putting any excess strain on your heart.
- Get good quality sleep.
- Manage your stress level.
- Get regular health screenings. Make sure to keep track of your health, especially with screenings such as blood pressure, cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes.