Have a healthy heart.
Wondering what you can do to keep your heart healthy, and happy? Did you know that heart disease remains the leading cause of death for both men and women, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics? There are many small, tangible things we can do every day to keep our heart health in check. Here are a few lifestyle tips for staying heart healthy everyday:
- Watch your diet. Don’t ignore those food labels. Consume a diet that is low in sugar, fat, sodium, and cholesterol. Eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, many of which are available at your local farmers’ market (Click here for a complete list). Need recipe ideas? View our favorites here.
- Increase your activity. Only one in five adults meets the federal guidelines of 150 minutes of physical activity per week. Get your heart pumping by aiming to walk at least 10 minutes per day. Click here for more ways to be more physically active.
- Quit smoking. If you’re a smoker, the Delaware Quitline can help you quit and triple your chances of success. If you aren’t a smoker, avoid areas where you could be exposed to secondhand smoke.
- Monitor your blood pressure. High blood pressure is a key indicator of heart disease. It should be monitored regularly, so make sure to check with your health care provider, purchase an at-home blood pressure cuff, or use one of the machines at your local pharmacy. Learn more about blood pressure here.
To learn more about heart disease and the steps you can take to prevent it, click here.