Daily Heart-Healthy Habits
Living a Heart-Healthy Lifestyle
Although we are over a month into the new year, that doesn’t mean it’s too late to keep up with your heart health resolutions. When it comes to taking care of your cardiovascular health, here are some things you can do every day to stay on track and keep your heart in good shape.
Adopt a Workout Plan
Adopting a workout plan doesn’t mean you have to go at warp speed and hit the gym hard. The first step in beginning a new workout routine is to understand your fitness level. If you are getting back to the gym after taking a long hiatus, you don’t want to overdo it. Seeking the help of your physician to assist with what exercises you should and shouldn’t do is key to a successful workout plan. Considering your fitness goals is also essential. If cardiovascular health is your top fitness priority, your doctor can give you the best tips on how to create a balanced workout routine based on exercises that can improve heart health.
Improve Your Diet
When it comes to a heart-healthy diet, what you eat is critical to good cardiovascular health. Improving your eating habits not only has a positive impact on heart health, but you’ll feel better too! Avoid processed foods that are high in saturated fat, trans fat, and sodium. Limit your intake of red meats and sugary beverages. Add plenty of colorful fruits and vegetables as well as the following to your diet:
- Fiber-rich whole grains
- Fish high in Omega-3s (salmon, tuna, mackerel)
- Nuts
- Legumes
- Lowfat dairy
- Skinless poultry
Limit Stress
The level of stress you experience and how you deal with it can have an impact on your heart health. Stress can bring on a multitude of heart problems such as high blood pressure and increased cholesterol. Since we live in a fast-paced society, finding a work-life balance avoiding stress entirely can be challenging. However, here are some ways you can reduce daily stress levels:
- Exercise
- Limit caffeine intake
- Spend time with your pet
- Watch your favorite funny show or movie
- Practice mindfulness - live in the present moment
- Listen to calming music
- Take a break
- Learn meditative breathing techniques
Get Proper Rest
Catching the right amount of zzz’s, (at least 7 hours each night) is paramount to keeping your heart healthy. Lack of a good night’s sleep can have the following effects related to cardiovascular health: an increased risk of high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and obesity.
Keep Up with Routine Well Visits
Keeping up with routine well visits and routine screenings is essential to your overall health. From early detection of cancer to your heart health, keeping an open dialogue with your doctor can make all the difference in managing your health. When attending your well visits, it’s important to let your doctor know of any unusual symptoms you are experiencing.
Cardiovascular Services in Dallas
Methodist Premier Wellness is centered around your total health: mind, body, and spirit. Whether you are home or away, we are accessible and ready to assist you! If you are concerned about your cardiovascular health, contact Dr. Hollenshead to make an appointment to talk about your health options today!