Did you know that high blood pressure is a leading cause of heart disease and stroke? In honor of National American Heart Month, here are 6 tips to keep your heart healthy!
1. Stay Aligned.
Make sure your nervous system is functioning at its optimal level by coming into the office regularly to get checked for a subluxation.
2. Get moving.
Exercise is a vital part of maintaining a healthy heart. Make sure you are getting your heart rate up for at least 30 minutes 5 days a week. Exercise doesn’t have to be boring! Find things that you enjoy doing such as hiking, playing sports, dancing, etc. In addition, find other ways to keep yourself moving. Sitting in front of a computer all day every day can increase your risk of heart disease greatly! Try taking that conference call standing up at your desk, taking the stairs instead of the elevator or taking a short walk during your lunch break.
3. Don’t stress out.
When we’re under pressure, our body increases our adrenaline, which can overwork our hearts. One way to keep stress at bay is to hop on the treadmill or roll out your yoga mat and unwind. Avoid stress eating and take up a new hobby!
4. Rest Up.
Sleep is when our body reboots and recovers. That’s important for all aspects of our health, not just the heart.When you’re asleep, your heart rate and blood pressure go down. That gives your heart a much-needed break and keeps it healthy. Make it a priority to be well-rested. You’ll be ready to face whatever the day may bring!
5. Eat Green.
A Healthy diet is essential in keeping our hearts healthy. Be sure you are eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds and lean meats and avoiding refined and processed foods such as white bread, pasta, and cookies. Your food is your fuel! Give it the clean fuel it needs to function at its best!
6. Be Proactive.
Monitoring your own health is the most important job you will ever have! Make sure you are getting your blood pressure checked at least once every year! (More often if you already suffer from high blood pressure) When our blood pressure gets too high, the extra force can damage artery walls and create scar tissue, making it more difficult for blood and oxygen to get to and from the heart. This forces the heart to pump harder causing it to get worn out faster. If it can’t get enough oxygen, parts can start to die.
