February 1
Happy Heart Month!
Heart Month is all about showing your cardiovascular system some love for keeping your blood pumping! An unhealthy heart is the root of many major health problems, which is why it’s so important to maintain a healthy lifestyle year-round, both mentally and physically. Check out these tips and show your heart some Tender Love & Care this month and every month.
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Fuel your heart with superfoods – vegetables, fruits, whole grains and fish should always be on your grocery list. Read nutritional labels to avoid picking up foods with high sodium content, saturated fat and added sugar.
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Keep your cholesterol in check – Cholesterol is a fat that’s in your blood, which helps keep your organs healthy; however, less is more when it comes to cholesterol levels, as too much of it can clog the arteries and lead to heart disease. Try to keep your cholesterol less than 200mg/dL.
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Live an active lifestyle – this doesn’t necessarily mean you have to hit the gym with high-intensity workouts right off the bat. Try challenging yourself to hit 10,000 steps per day, whether that means jogging daily, taking longer walks, or simply getting up from your desk throughout the day to give your body a boost. 30 minutes of physical activity per day is a great starting point.
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Quit smoking – if you haven’t done this by now, make 2016 your smoke-free year. If you find quitting to be too challenging on your own, enlist a friend to keep your habit in check. Breaking a bad habit is much easier when you’ve got a solid support system. Refocus your mind on a new habit, like exercising.
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Stress less – too much stress can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. It also takes a physical toll on your body, so be mindful of how much stress you’re putting on yourself on a regular basis. If you’re feeling wound up, try talking it out, hitting the gym, taking a bath or even taking a mini-vacation on the weekend – your heart will thank you for it!
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