Show some love to your heart health.
If you're planning on worrying about your heart health later in life, you should rethink that strategy. In as early as your twenties, according to the American Heart Association (AHA), it's important to know what lifestyle choices will have a longer-term effect on your heart's wellbeing. And if you're already middle-aged or older, healthy changes are still a good idea!The secret to reducing the risk of heart disease is preventative care, and the two most effective forms of this care are €”drum roll please €”frequent exercise and a healthy diet. You guessed it! Physical activity and healthy eating are lifestyle choices that have a guaranteed pay off when it comes to taking care of your heart.At any age or stage in life, it's never too late to get your body moving and to eat those vegetables.
Let's get physicalWalking, bike riding, treadmill running €”any aerobic physical activity is better for you and your heart than sitting on the couch or remaining static. For cardiovascular exercise, the AHA recommends 150 minutes of intermediate-intensity exercise per week (e.g. biking) or 75 minutes of strenuous-intensity exercise per week (e.g. running). And it's recommended that kids get about 60 minutes per day of physical activity.Muscular-strength training is also important. To bulk up those muscles, the AHA advises you spend two or more days focusing on all muscle groups, including arms, legs, abdomen, chest, back, and hips.
Eating rightThe key to a healthy eating lifestyle is to make a habit of healthy choices. When you train your mind and body to eat a certain way, you have a better chance at sustaining those changes. Not all eating regimens look the same for everyone, but diets rich in vegetables, fruits, fiber-filled whole grains, nuts, legumes, fish, and poultry and limited amounts of lean and red meat, and lower-fat dairy products are generally the smarter options. Know what diet is right for your health by talking to your nutritionist or doctor, especially if you're at risk for heart disease.Take the time your heart and body deserve to make the right lifestyle changes
now. And don't forget to
contact the
health insurance professionals at Humble & Davenport Insurance in Renton, Washington to keep your heart healthy and protected. Happy American Heart Month!
