Preventing Heart Health Issues
The statistics are sobering. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States among both men and women.[i] As every minute passes by, no less than 2 Americans are losing their life to this terrible disease.
The good news is there are things you can do today to boost your heart health and reduce cardiovascular related issues. However, everyone’s’ individual circumstances very and there are risk factors you are unable to change including:[ii]
- Age – The older we get, the higher our risk of heart disease.
- Gender – Some controllable risk factors impact women and men differently.
- Race/Ethnicity – Certain groups have higher risk of heart disease than others.
- Family History – You are at a higher risk if a close family member had heart disease.
While there are certain risk factors you are born into, there are many more completely within your control. To help you keep your heart healthy, we gathered up the latest tips the experts are recommending. By taking these relatively simple steps, you can reduce your chance of cardiovascular disease and lead a long and healthy life:[iii]
- Reduce salt intake – Salt can increase blood pressure which can lead to stroke and heart disease. The recommended daily limit of salt is 6g per day for adults.
- Consume less sugar – Diets high in sugar can lead to weight gain which in turn increases blood pressure and your chance of heart disease.
- Limit saturated fat – High cholesterol levels can result from a diet high in saturated fat, which can be found in such foods as butter, fatty meat, and processed foods.
- Exercise regularly – A regular exercise regimen can strengthen your heart, boost your cardiovascular system, help you lose weight, and lower cholesterol and blood pressure.
- Limit alcohol – Alcohol can add unnecessary calories to your diet leading to weight gain while alcohol’s effects can increase blood pressure.
- Quit smoking – Smokers are twice more likely to suffer a heart attack than non-smokers. Smoking increases blood pressure and reduces oxygen in your blood stream.
- Manage your stress – Taking care of your mental health is as important as your physical health as high stress levels can increase blood pressure and be a trigger for heart attacks.
- Get enough sleep – Sleeping allow your mind and body time to heal. Lack of sleep has been linked to higher high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity.
- Eat healthy – Diets high in fruits and vegetables along with good fats including fish have shown the ability to increase overall heart health.
For more information on how to improve your heart health, visit www.CDC.gov.
[1] https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/facts.htm
[2] https://medlineplus.gov/howtopreventheartdisease.html [3] https://www.caba.org.uk/help-and-guides/information/10-ways-keep-your-heart-healthy
Featured Blogs
- Art of Mindful Eating: Transform Your Meals, Transform Your Life
- Fueling Your Mind with Brain-Boosting Foods
- 5 Simple Ways to Boost Your Immune System (and 1 unusual way)
- What is Medicare?
- Benefits of Medicare Supplement Plan G Insurance
- Tips for a Stress-Free Tax Season Experience
- Understanding Medicare and Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Insurance
- Spring fitness ideas
- Inspirational women who make the world a better place
- Creating a Positive Start to Your Day
- Spring Forward: Adjusting Your Routine for Daylight Saving Time
- Gratitude - Key to a Positive Mindset
- Adopting a Holistic Wellness Approach to a Healthier You
- 3 Common Sense Things People Should Know
- Exploring Superfoods: Nutrient-Packed Ingredients for a Healthy Diet
- Unraveling the Mystery of the Extra Day
- Digital Detox: A Healthy You in a Hyperconnected World
- Financial Fitness in 2024: Budgeting and Saving Tips
- Three Joyful Habits for a Healthier You in 2024
- New Year's Resolutions: Staying Committed Year Round
- The Magic of Christmas Traditions
- Staying Healthy During the Winter Months!
- How to be a Time Management Whiz During this Busy Season
- Self-care tips for December
- Mastering the Mind: Techniques for Better Memory and Cognitive Function
- The Art of Productive Procrastination: How to Make the Most of Downtime
- Eating for Energy: Foods that Boost Your Stamina and Productivity
- How to enjoy and celebrate chilly, gloomy days
- Thriving in Your Golden Years: Strategies for Aging Gracefully and Vibrantly
- Best Dog Breeds that Suit Your Needs
- Reduce Stress: Develop Patience
- DIY Delights: Creative Projects for Seniors
- Coping with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
- Long-term Health Benefits of Physical Activity
- How to Trim Down Hidden Costs of Flying
- Best foods for hydration
- How to Experience Positive Aging (8 Tips)
- How to Improve Your Health: The 5 Main Aspects of Wellness
- How much should you actually have in savings?
- Are you underinsured for your circumstances?
- How to Build Sustainable Wealth
- How to Maintain Our Body
- Enhancing Resilience as We Age
- The Body After 60: Overcoming Barriers to Exercise
- The best herbs to grow for beginners
- Foods you had no idea you could freeze
- Is celebrating your 100th birthday no longer a dream?
- Medicare and Medicaid: Dual eligibility
- Summer Workouts for Your Dose of Vitamin D
- Navigating Medicare Part D: A Comprehensive Guide to Prescription Drug Coverage
- What’s Keeping You from Losing Weight?
- Individual Health Insurance in 2023: Navigating Choices for Personalized Coverage
- Medicare in 2023: Advancements, Challenges, and the Future
- Music and Your Wellbeing
- Your NEW Social Security Statement
- How to Dispose of Unused Medications
- Smart Home Systems: Promoting a Comfortable Environment for Seniors
- Aging and Our Body’s Ability to Heal Itself
- Keeping Health Insurance After a Layoff
- Waking Up to the Impact of Insomnia
- How Life Insurance Benefits Women
- What experts say about raising the retirement age
- Coverage for healthcare treatment denied? Here's what you can do.
- Sharing the Road with Cyclists
- Buying Life Insurance for an Elderly Parent?
- Living Your Best Life After 60
- Buying Health Insurance: A Millennial’s Guide
- Self-Love Ideas for Valentine’s Day
- Life Without Clutter
- Ways You Can Spend Less on Gas
- 7 Myths About Your Back Pain
- Happy Hannukah!
- Five Health “Hacks” For Happy Holidays
- It’s Tax Season! Are You Ready?
- Commonly Asked Questions About Life Insurance
- February is American Heart Month: We want you to take it to heart
- Start the year with a review of your insurance coverage needs
- Apps to help you manage your time and productivity
- Making the most of an annual insurance review