Heart Healthy Practices for World Heart Day
Follow these heart-healthy practices to avoid future heart conditions
The World Heart Federation started World Heart Day to bring awareness to Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and unite the world’s communities to fight against CVD and reduce the global disease burden. According to The World Heart Federation, “heart disease and stroke is the world’s leading cause of death, claiming 18.6 million lives each year.” In this blog, we will be giving you three healthy heart practices that you can utilize in your everyday life to combat the risk for heart conditions like CVD. Read on to learn more.
Healthy Heart Practice 1: Maintaining a Healthy Diet
The CDC recommends foods low in saturated fat, added sugars, and sodium (salt) to maintain a heart-healthy diet. In replacement, the CDC recommends items high in fiber and healthy fats like olive and fish oil. Below are some foods to add to your diet that will help you jumpstart your heart-healthy diet:
Leafy Green Vegetables
Whole Grains
Berries
Avocados
Fatty Fish
Beans
Dark Chocolates
Tomatoes
Almonds and Walnuts
Garlic
Green Tea
Healthy Heart Practice 2: Managing Stress
Your mental health is a significant contributing factor to keeping your mind and body healthy. Healthily managing your stress can help reduce the chance of developing heart disease, high blood pressure, and depression. Follow the list below to learn ways to help manage your everyday stress:
Avoid Drugs and Alcohol
Connect With Others
Recognize When you Need Help
Exercising
Eat Healthily
Get Plenty of sleep
Stretch
Meditate
Take Deep Breaths
Make Time Unwind
Healthy Heart Practice 3: Staying Active
According to The U.S. Department of Health, “Getting regular physical activity can help prevent heart disease. Adults need at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week.” It can be hard to fit in an entire workout every day. By adding in some light exercise throughout your busy workday, you will be on the way to a healthier lifestyle. Here are some examples of quick activities you can do throughout your day:
Brisk Walking
Running
Swimming
Cycling
Playing Tennis
Jumping Rope
By implementing these three healthy heart practices, you’ll be on your way to a healthier lifestyle and a healthier heart. Cix Health shares the same goal as The World Heart Federation, which is to educate and bring awareness to preventative health to avoid future health conditions like CDV. Learn more about World Heart Day here and check out how the Cix Health App can assist you in living a healthier lifestyle.