American Heart Month

Did You Know? Up to 82% of heart disease is preventable

Keeping Your Lifestyle Heart-Healthy 

One of Every Three Deaths in the U.S. is Caused by Heart Disease and Stroke

Heart disease includes a range of conditions that affect the heart, including coronary artery disease, arrhythmias, blood vessel diseases and congenital defects. It is the leading cause of preventable death in people 40-65 years of age. Due to the tremendous impact of heart disease, the American Heart Association has designated February as American Heart Month. Listed below are a few tips on how you can ensure that you are making heart-healthy decisions in all areas of life. 

01 | Healthy Eating

Limiting saturated fats, cholesterol, sodium and added sugars go a long way in supporting heart health. Equally important is including fruits, vegetables and whole grains in your diet. 

02 | Physical Activity

Exercise is one of the most effective ways to prevent and treat heart disease. Physical activity normalizes insulin and leptin levels, burns calories and helps you maintain a healthy weight.  

03 | Weight Management

Making smart choices in eating habits and exercise help to balance the amount of calories we consume compared to the calories burned. Using a calorie counter or food diary app as well as tracking your exercise can help you stay motivated and watch your progress.  

04 | Stress Management

Stress can increase blood pressure and contribute to health issues. Here are four simple techniques to help manage your stress:

• Positive Self-Talk: This will help you calm down and control stress. Use statements like “I can do this.”
• Emergency Stress Stoppers: When you encounter a stressful situation, methods like counting to ten, going for a walk or meditation can help.
• Finding Pleasure: Stress makes you feel bad. Do something that makes you feel good! Take up a hobby, read a book, take a nature walk—try to do something every day that you enjoy.
• Daily Relaxation: To relieve stress, breathing exercises, yoga, meditation and tai chi help calm the tension in your body.
   

05 | Workplace Health

Many employers are realizing the benefit of promoting a healthy lifestyle for their employees. Check with your HR representative to see what programs may be available to you – discounted fitness programs, onsite gyms, etc. In addition, keep your diet healthy at work and use your breaks for 15-minute walks. 

06 | Supporting Awareness

There is much you can do to safeguard your own heart health and to promote awareness in your community. For more information, please visit: http://www.heart.org/   

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References

http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/HealthyLiving/Healthy-Living_UCM_001078_SubHomePage.jsp  

https://www.cardiosmart.org/