By Brooks Welch
Take good care of what keeps you going — your heart!
We all know February as the month dedicated to love with heart shapes everywhere you look. But did you know February is also American Heart Health Month? Let’s take a moment to learn more about the organ that keeps you alive and how to keep it healthy.
According to the CDC, one person dies every 36 seconds in the US from a cardiovascular disease. Scary, right? According to WebMD, the issues that lead to a heart attack begin at a microscopic level. Once problems develop in the lining of your arteries, plaque may form which blocks blood flow to the heart. There are many actions you can take to prevent issues with your heart health.
3 Easy Tips To Improve Your Heart Health (according to UCI Health and Harvard Health Publishing):
1. Eat meals that taste good and are good for you
A good rule of thumb is to have one extra fruit or vegetable a day. Superfoods like salmon and avocado also have proven benefits for maintaining a healthy heart.
2. Move your body
Take a walk around your neighborhood or a scenic landscape, turn on WHUR and dance to your favorite songs, or get a good stretch in. Getting active is a wonderful way to stay healthy physically and mentally.
3. Count your blessings
Keeping track of the little things that make you smile will relieve stress which may lead to high blood pressure and heart disease. Being grateful doesn’t only improve your mood but can save your life!
Try adding just one of these tips to your plans this week and share your tips to a healthy heart below!
