Keeping your heart healthy decreases your risk of developing cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and strokes. Because the doctors at Phoenix Medical Centers are committed to your health and wellness, we want to offer these six tips that you can incorporate into your lifestyle to maintain a healthy heart.
1. Quit Smoking
Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do to prevent heart attacks and other diseases. Smoking not only makes your heart work harder-- it also hinders your body's ability to get rid of excess cholesterol. Phoenix Medical Centers can help! Our smoking cessation program will give you the tools and support you need to quit for good.
2. Schedule An Annual Physical Exam
Have an annual physical exam to get your blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose levels monitored. Be sure to follow your doctor's advice regarding healthier lifestyle habits.
3. Eat Good Food
You are what you eat. So if you want a healthy heart, then you have to eat healthy food. Reduce salt in your diet and eat more heart healthy foods such as whole grains, fish, dark chocolate, and green leafy vegetables.
Obesity increases your risk of developing heart diseases. Shed excess weight through portion control and sticking to a balanced diet. At Phoenix Medical Centers, we offer weight loss programs and nutritional counseling to help you on this journey.
4. Get Moving
Sitting or lying down for too long can harm your health and decrease your lifespan. So make sure that you stand up and get moving after every 30 minutes of sitting.
To be physically active does not necessarily mean that you have to be in the gym every day. Even simple daily exercises such as walking, taking the stairs, or doing household chores can help keep your heart healthy.
5. Manage Stress
Stress can increase blood pressure, sugar levels, and cholesterol, which are major risk factors for heart and circulatory diseases. We are living in a fast-paced world where you cannot entirely avoid getting stressed. However, there are many healthy ways to manage stress. Examples of this are deep breathing, taking breaks regularly, getting a new hobby, or laughing out loud.
6. Get Enough Sleep
Sleep is the time for the body to repair itself. Regardless of age, habits, or weight, lack of sleep can lead to high blood pressure, increased blood sugar levels, depression, and anxiety. So make sure to get the recommended seven to nine hours of sleep every night to maintain a healthy heart and mind.
Let the doctors at Phoenix Medical Center help you take care of your heart. Call us today at (813) 462-2595.
