Safety – Heart Health
Southbury Ambulance Association has developed some tips to help with maintaining heart health during Heart Month.
Throughout our daily lives, there often isn’t time to invest in heart healthy activities. While there are genetic factors that could lead to heart conditions, 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 which can lead to 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 lifestyle is exercising for 30 to 60 minutes every day. According to Mayo Clinic, physical activity helps control weight and reduces the chance of hypertension and diabetes. 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 sugars intake and eat little to no processed foods. Avoiding sodium, added sugars, and saturated fat will be 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 night’s sleep is to have a sleep schedule and avoid using devices 2 hours before bed. Make sure you check with your health care provider to see if you are at risk for any heart conditions.
By: Nadina Bhadrasain 68 Georges Hill Road Southbury Ct 06488 203-568-4629