HEART HEALTH: DID YOU KNOW?
Did you know there are a few things we can do to help our heart? The heart is an important organ within our bodies. We have the duty to ensure we keep our heart healthy so it can provide our other organs with the blood and oxygen we need. Read on for some helpful tips to keeping your heart healthy and working for you.
Get Active:
It is imperative that everyone get out and exercise daily. Exercise does not have to be in the gym or even heavy weightlifting. Walking a minimum of 30 minutes a day can benefit heart health. It is important for you to figure out the level of activity you want to engage in daily and for how long. Listen to your body and do not overdo it! Getting active not only helps our heart, but helps our entire body, positively impacts our mood, and can positively affect our lifespan.
Eat Healthy:
Anyone who has watched Popeye knows that leafy greens make you strong. Leafy greens are good for our hearts. Along with leafy greens, having a consistent diet with other vegetables and a variety of fresh fruits helps one's heart. Alternatively, staying away from greasy and fried foods keeps the heart strong. Greasy and fatty foods clog your arteries making heart pumping and flow of your blood less efficient. Our organs need oxygen rich blood to operate effectively.
Good Sleep:
As adults we often have busy schedules. Many of us work full-time, have children, and other responsibilities that stay at the forefront of our minds. It is important that we rest for seven to eight hours every night. This gives our bodies time to recharge in that way we can take on the events of the day. Adequate sleep allows for a healthy start to the day.
Managing Stress:
It has been proven that stress negatively affects the heart. Stress releases hormones that directly increase our heart rate and breathing. How many of us have been stressed or angered and found ourselves breathing harshly? Consistent stress can lead to high blood pressure and weight gain. When our bodies enter “stress mode” our “Fight or Flight” response is activated. A hormone called cortisol is released which increases our heart rate and over time can cause weight gain. Taking deep breaths, engaging in therapy if needed, and finding relaxation techniques can aid in reducing stress.
No Smoking:
Smoking is harmful for our bodies. Smoking constricts, or tightens, the blood vessels creating slower blood flow through the body. One can find quitting a challenging task to do, because nicotine gives our bodies such a great feeling by increasing dopamine, the “feel good” hormone, levels. The cool thing is that we can create dopamine without smoking. Dopamine levels increase by taking part in any activities you enjoy, like eating a lovely meal, exercise, or engaging in relaxation techniques. Medication can assist with smoking cessation. For more information regarding medical alternatives please consult your doctor.
