The information we have today about keeping our hearts healthy is incredible.
This is especially important because heart disease is the primary cause of death in men and women in the United States.
Every year more men and women die from heart disease that the next five causes of death combined! Years ago people knew far less than we know now about how to have a healthy heart through your life.
As a result they did things that taxed their hearts and shortened their lives.
Today we know that genetics plays a part, but even people who are genetically predisposed to heart disease can follow some simple guidelines that increase their likelihood that a heart attack will never be in their cards.
Here are 4 simple steps toward maintaining a healthy heart: 1.
It's been know for a long time that smoking is more than a major contributor to lung cancer.
It also is bad for the heart.
Many studies link smoking to high blood pressure.
This is because chemicals in the smoke irritate the circulator system, causing inflation in the arteries and increase your blood pressure.
I'm sure you can guess how bad that is for your heart.
So, if you want to maintain a healthy heart, knock off the cigarettes.
2.
Some of the latest research in medical science indicates that there is a link between gum disease and tooth decay and atherosclerosis, a leading cause of heart disease.
That means healthy habits for your mouth are good for your heart.
The same bacteria that cause gingivitis in your mouth wreak havoc on your heart too.
So, listen to your dentist and brush at least twice a day.
Floss daily per your dentist's instructions.
Also, invest in your health.
Don't postpone visits to your dentist.
Get cavities taken care of right away, and preserve your teeth as long as possible.
Missing teeth are another indicator that your heart may be in trouble.
3.
Diet is another factor that affects the health of your heart.
Some foods that are particularly good for the heart include those that are high in omega-3 fatty acids.
Walnuts, cold-water fish, and olive oil are rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
Also good for your heart are whole grains (forget the white bread and baked potatoes), fresh vegetables, especially tomatoes and eggplant.
For dessert, serve up a little bowl of blueberries, and your heart will thank you.
By using cholesterol reducing foods you go a long way toward maintaining a healthy heart.
4.
The final key to having a healthy heart, or a healthy life for that matter, is exercise.
Burn off that excess fat, especially around the abdomen.
It's especially hard on your heart to carry fat around your belly.
It secretes harmful proteins into your bloodstream, headed right for your heart.
Pick something you like and stick with it.
Running, biking, swimming, even walking are all very good.
If you walk five miles a day, you'll burn 500 extra calories.
And you don't have to do it all in one long walk.
You can split it up into two or three shorter walks and still enjoy the benefits.
So there you have it 4 solid steps toward maintaining a healthy heart.
If you smoke quit.
Brush and floss your teeth.
Eat healthy and exercise.
Not earth shattering but life saving.
Start today - you are worth it!
This is especially important because heart disease is the primary cause of death in men and women in the United States.
Every year more men and women die from heart disease that the next five causes of death combined! Years ago people knew far less than we know now about how to have a healthy heart through your life.
As a result they did things that taxed their hearts and shortened their lives.
Today we know that genetics plays a part, but even people who are genetically predisposed to heart disease can follow some simple guidelines that increase their likelihood that a heart attack will never be in their cards.
Here are 4 simple steps toward maintaining a healthy heart: 1.
It's been know for a long time that smoking is more than a major contributor to lung cancer.
It also is bad for the heart.
Many studies link smoking to high blood pressure.
This is because chemicals in the smoke irritate the circulator system, causing inflation in the arteries and increase your blood pressure.
I'm sure you can guess how bad that is for your heart.
So, if you want to maintain a healthy heart, knock off the cigarettes.
2.
Some of the latest research in medical science indicates that there is a link between gum disease and tooth decay and atherosclerosis, a leading cause of heart disease.
That means healthy habits for your mouth are good for your heart.
The same bacteria that cause gingivitis in your mouth wreak havoc on your heart too.
So, listen to your dentist and brush at least twice a day.
Floss daily per your dentist's instructions.
Also, invest in your health.
Don't postpone visits to your dentist.
Get cavities taken care of right away, and preserve your teeth as long as possible.
Missing teeth are another indicator that your heart may be in trouble.
3.
Diet is another factor that affects the health of your heart.
Some foods that are particularly good for the heart include those that are high in omega-3 fatty acids.
Walnuts, cold-water fish, and olive oil are rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
Also good for your heart are whole grains (forget the white bread and baked potatoes), fresh vegetables, especially tomatoes and eggplant.
For dessert, serve up a little bowl of blueberries, and your heart will thank you.
By using cholesterol reducing foods you go a long way toward maintaining a healthy heart.
4.
The final key to having a healthy heart, or a healthy life for that matter, is exercise.
Burn off that excess fat, especially around the abdomen.
It's especially hard on your heart to carry fat around your belly.
It secretes harmful proteins into your bloodstream, headed right for your heart.
Pick something you like and stick with it.
Running, biking, swimming, even walking are all very good.
If you walk five miles a day, you'll burn 500 extra calories.
And you don't have to do it all in one long walk.
You can split it up into two or three shorter walks and still enjoy the benefits.
So there you have it 4 solid steps toward maintaining a healthy heart.
If you smoke quit.
Brush and floss your teeth.
Eat healthy and exercise.
Not earth shattering but life saving.
Start today - you are worth it!