Ahh, February the short month that’s chock full o’love. Since February is known as the Month of Love, and the symbol of love is a heart, it only makes sense that February is Heart Healthy Month.
What a great time to evaluate what you are doing to keep your heart and your family’s heart healthy. A couple of things off the top of your head might be eating right and exercise. This is something as a parent you can model for your family or friends.
One of the best ways to ensure that you are eating healthier is to prepare your meals at home. And while this is the healthiest and most economical approach, mastering the grocery store may seem a bit overwhelming. Here are a few tips to help make the shopping experience a bit easier to navigate:
1. Keep to the outer perimeter of the store. The produce, meats and dairy all tend to be located on the outer perimeter. The rule here is the fresher the better.
2. Try to add more fruits and vegetables into your diet; perhaps go with the rainbow approach. Make a game and see how many colors and or textures you can have on your plate at one time. The rule here is variety.
3. Look at the ingredients on your processed food good. Remember just because the store has placed an item in the ‘healthy food section’ doesn’t necessarily mean it’s healthy. Really start to become familiar with the ingredients you are eating and start trying to avoid ingredients you can’t pronounce. The rule here is know what you are eating.
These three quick tips are an easy way to start your journey to being heart healthy.
Did you know that heart disease is the number one cause of death for men and women (1 out of 4). About 60,000 people die of heart disease in the U.S.A. every year. Becoming aware that your choices can positively impact your health is very exciting and will hopefully encourage you to start implementing some of the below lifestyle tips:
1. Start moving. Start off at whatever level you are at and just start moving. Working up to 30 minutes to 1 hour a day. People who are active have the potential of cutting their risk of heart disease by 45%. The rule is start moving. Find an exercise you love because that is what you will stick with.
2. A positive outlook goes a long way. Looking on the bright side and seeing the glass half full attitudes have been linked to a lower risk of heart disease. A positive mindset buffers stress – one of the underlying causes of heart disease. Also, breathe; when you find yourself in a stressful situation remember to breathe. Take a deep breathe in for a four count, and then exhale for a four count. While you are breathing try to reflect on positive thoughts. The rule is be positive and remember to breathe.
3. Floss every day. Heart disease odds are doubled if you’re diagnosed with gum disease (agd.org). Gum disease can lead to bacteria bleeding into your mouth, which can lead to inflammation that stresses out your heart. Flossing is one of the best ways to banish oral bacteria, so it’s a simple first line of defense.
The rule is to remember to floss daily.
Most importantly, remember that “A journey of a thousand miles, begins with a single step,” and you are worth taking the first step. Stop by any Y location and speak with one of our Wellness Directors to start your journey to healthy living!