Do you suppose February being heart month has anything to do with all those Valentine's hearts you see everywhere? I'm sure it does! But it's a good reminder to maintain a healthy lifestyle and keep your heart vibrant. And it's easier than you think!

The Center for Disease Control has a few tips to help keep you heart-healthy all year round. And basically, it's just a matter of a healthy lifestyle!

  • Eat a healthy diet - At least five servings of fruits and vegetables each day, limit sodium intake, and include plenty of fiber.
  • Maintain a healthy weight - Obesity can lead to heart disease. Talk to your doctor about what's a healthy weight for you.
  • Exercise - Physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight, and lower blood pressure and cholesterol.
  • Monitor your blood pressure - Take it from someone who's had high blood pressure for 20 years, it's worth the money to get one of those monitors and keep track. High blood pressure can be present even if you're calm and relaxed. Don't think you have to be hyper or excited. There's a reason why they call it the silent killer. Keep track and see your doctor if it's high!
  • Don't smoke  and limit alcohol use - This goes back to the healthy lifestyle. You already know that drinking and smoking aren't good for you.
  • Have your cholesterol checked - Another silent killer. You could be eating healthy and exercising, but if it's in your genes to have high cholesterol it could still be a problem. Don't assume...get it checked!
  • Take your medications - If you're on medication for high blood pressure, diabetes, or cholesterol, or any number of health problems, take your meds! Not taking them could cause undue stress on your system.
  • Finally, if there's a history of heart disease in your family, see a doctor regularly to get checked out. It just might save your life!

 

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