Each year, about 735,000 Americans will have a heart attack. Many lifestyle habits increase the risk for heart attack, such as smoking tobacco, being overweight, not moving enough, and eating diets high in fat and cholesterol. The good news? Changing your lifestyle can reduce these risk factors.
Improving your heart's health may seem like a big project. But even small changes in your daily habits can make a difference. Here are five simple steps you can get started on right away.
- Bring a piece of fruit or snackable veggies to work. When hunger hits, having these snacks at your work area will help you avoid less heart-healthy options from the vending machine.
- Take a 10-minute walking break. If you sit behind a computer most of the time, get up for a quick stroll several times a day. Sitting less and moving more is good for your heart and your body overall. Try to fit in 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise five days a week.
- Give your screens an earlier bedtime. Too little sleep can hurt your heart and increase your risk for other diseases, such as obesity and type 2 diabetes, which can also affect heart health. Watching TV or using your smartphone or computer close to bedtime can keep you awake. Try giving yourself a deadline for turning off your screens an hour before bedtime every night.
- Have a hearty laugh. Laughter eases stress, which is a good thing because too much stress may boost your risk for heart disease. For a regular dose of mirth, set aside time to watch some laugh-out-loud videos.
- Compare food labels for sodium content. Too much sodium can boost blood pressure, which is hard on your heart. So take a moment to read food labels and to choose the brand with the least amount of sodium.
Checkups can reduce your risk
To help identify risk factors for heart disease early on, see your primary care provider for routine blood pressure checks, cholesterol monitoring and glucose tests.
Also talk to your provider about healthy weight and cholesterol levels for you; how to lower your blood pressure if it's too high; and how to control your blood sugar if you have diabetes.
Caring providers near you
Don't live in Parsons? You can get great care close to home at the Independence Healthcare Center and at our off-site clinics. These providers are also part of Labette Health:
Altamont Clinic
Cathy Swearengin, APRN
620-784-2312
Cherryvale Clinic
Scott Fox, APRN-C
Anne Gordon, APRN-C
620-336-3255
Erie Clinic
Matt Bogle, APRN-C
620-244-6070
St. Paul Clinic
Mike Carter, PA-C
620-449-2582
More online! See our full list of clinics at labettehealth.com.