Little things you do every day can help keep your ticker healthy and prevent heart disease.
1. Unwind and connect. Find ways to ease stress. Three ideas to try: exercise, meditate, and talk to people you trust.
2. Work on your weight . It's a plus for your heart if you bring it to a healthy level.
3. Upgrade your next meal. Favor fruits, veggies, lean protein, and whole grains. Pass on foods that are salty, high in unhealthy fats, or fried. Repeat for the meal after that, and so on, until it's routine.
4. Make an exercise menu. Pick a couple of activities that sound like fun. That way, you always have some choices about what to do. Exercise at least three to four times a week for 30 minutes at a time. It burns calories and helps keep extra pounds off.
5. Rethink your drink. Limit alcohol. Moderate drinking may be OK, but more than that isn't good for your health. What's moderate drinking? Up to 1 glass a day for women, and up to 2 glasses a day for men.
6. Check your numbers. You may have levels of blood pressure, cholesterol, or blood sugar and not realize it. Your doctor can check all of these things. If any of your numbers are too high, he'll suggest a plan of action.
7. Don't smoke. The tobacco habit isn't just bad for your lungs. It also makes heart disease more likely.
Don't forget to talk your doctor.He'll help you focus on healthy habits. He'll also let you know if your family's medical history makes you more likely to get heart disease and tell you if there's anything else you should be doing.