February Safety Article: Heart Health

Southbury Ambulance Association has developed some tips to help with maintaining heart health during Heart Month.

February is heart month so here are some tips to keep your heart healthy. Throughout our daily lives, it is important to invest in heart healthy activities. While there may be genetic factors, there are still activities and habits you can do to maintain a healthy heart.

According to John Hopkins Medicine, factors that negatively affect heart health are smoking, diet management, stress, and inadequate BMI management. These can lead to conditions such as atherosclerosis, which is the buildup of cholesterol in your arteries. This can cause strokes and even heart attacks. However, by maintaining a healthy lifestyle you can help prevent these various heart conditions.

One activity to incorporate into your lifestyles in exercising for 30 to 60 minutes every day. 

According to Mayo Clinic, physical activity helps control weight and reduces the chances of hypertension and diabetes. If you don’t exercise regularly, you may have to work your way up to it. Exercises such as jogging, strength training, or any form of cardio can be great for keeping your heart healthy.

Another habit necessary for maintaining a healthy heart is eating a healthy diet. According to the American Heart Association, you should have a diet that consists of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein that is unprocessed. You should also limit your added sugar intake and try to include more whole foods in your diet as well. Avoiding sodium, added sugars, and saturated fat is beneficial to heart health.

Finally, make sure to get regular health screenings and good quality sleep. According to Mayo Clinic, people who don’t have enough sleep have a higher risk of heart attacks, diabetes, depression, and more. Adults need around 7 hours of sleep per night. A tip for getting a good’s night sleep is to have a sleep schedule and avoid using devices 2 hours before bed.

These tips all depend on your preexisting health conditions, so make sure to consult with your healthcare provider to find methods that work for you in order to keep your heart healthy.

By: Nadina Bhadrasain 68 Georges Hill Rd. Southbury, CT 06488