A Healthier Heart for a Happier Life

There is a connection between health and happiness. How many of us actually want to spend our golden years visiting the doctor or vacationing at the hospital? No one that I know of. February is Heart Health Month. Let's be mindful of the lifestyle choices we are making today and how they will impact our happiness later in life.

10 Tips for a Healthier Heart

1. Quit smoking now. Twelve months after quitting, your increased risk of dying from heart disease will be half that of a continuing smoker. 
2. Improve your diet. Include wholegrain cereals, legumes, fruits, vegetables, seeds and nuts in your diet and lower your risk of heart disease. 
3. Exercise regularly. Walk briskly for 30 minutes a day and reduce your risk of heart attack by one third.
4. Maintain your friendships. People connected to supportive friendships are at less risk of heart disease.
5. Get adequate amounts of sleep. Ongoing sleep deficiency is linked to an increased risk of heart disease, kidney disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and stroke.
6. Learn how to manage stress. Try activities which pair movement with breathing, such as yoga or tai-chi.  Also, laughter is good medicine.
7. Limit your alcohol. The guidlelines for moderate alcohol consumption are no more than two standard glasses of alcohol a day if you are a man, or one glass a day if you are a woman.
8. Avoid salty and high sodium foods. Don’t add salt when preparing or eating your meals. Instead, season your food with dried herb blends that enhance the natural flavors.
9. Have a diabetes test. Knowledge is power; undiagnosed diabetes can be dangerous as it may damage your artery walls and contribute to heart disease.
10. Make fitness fun. Choose activities that you enjoy either on your own or with people you like spending time with.