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February is all about love and heart health. Since 1964, the second month of the year has been designated as American Heart Month. Here, we offer three ways you can protect your cardiovascular health.
What do you think about when you think about February? Maybe winter, snow, or Valentine’s Day? Since 1964, February has been recognized as American Heart Month, an opportunity for health care professionals to remind people about the importance of heart health.
The providers and staff at Heart & Vascular Institute celebrate American Heart Month, and we urge our patients and their families to learn more about cardiovascular health.
If you have high blood pressure, shortness of breath, or questions about protecting your heart, start with this post, then schedule an appointment at one of our six Michigan locations.
Let’s start by looking at three ways you can take action today to protect your heart.
1. Get moving
Do you hear “get more exercise” and groan? Maybe you envision boring hours on a treadmill or feeling uncomfortable in a group exercise setting.
We encourage you to find ways to add movement to your life that you enjoy. If you like sports, consider joining a rec league. If that seems too challenging, build up to the point where you can play a sport you enjoy.
Exercising to play basketball on a team is much different than using a stair climber at the gym because you feel like you have to.
Maybe walking with a friend a couple of times a week would be fun, or perhaps you’ve always wanted to try tai chi. Do you like to swim? Try to find a facility nearby.
In short, if you enjoy an activity, you’re far more likely to do it. And with exercise, consistency is the key if you want to protect your heart health. Plus, exercise has other health benefits, including better sleep, improved mental health, and lower stress levels.
2. Check your diet
Similar to telling people to get more exercise, the advice to eat a nutritious diet can be vague or confusing. If you look online, you’re likely to see conflicting information about what a healthy diet looks like.
When it comes to diet, make small, incremental changes. If you need guidance, ask us or follow the DASH eating plan, which is designed to improve heart health.
Adding more vegetables, especially leafy greens, to your diet is always a good choice, as is limiting foods high in saturated fats or sugar. Commonsense choices, such as opting for water instead of soda or fruit instead of cake for dessert, can also help.
3. Understand your personal risk
Not everyone has the same cardiovascular risk profile, and understanding how your family history, lifestyle, and medical history affect your risk of heart problems can help you make informed decisions about your health.
No matter your age, sex, or other demographic factors, knowing more about the health of your heart can help you make choices about what to eat, how to exercise, or whether you should see a cardiologist. Some heart conditions, such as hypertension, don’t have any symptoms.
Schedule an appointment by phone or online today with one of the experts at Heart & Vascular Institute to learn more about protecting your heart.