5 Tips to Prevent Heart Disease
Avoid heart problems in the future by adopting a healthy lifestyle today. Here are five heart disease prevention tips to get you started:
- Don’t smoke or use tobacco.
Tobacco use has been shown to damage lungs, heart and blood vessels, leading to stiffening and narrowing of the arteries. Ultimately, this can lead to complications of other bodily systems and heart attack. If you are currently using tobacco and would like to quit, contact your insurance provider for information on tobacco cessation coverage, or reach out to a local resource.
- Exercise for 30 minutes on most days of the week.
Having a daily exercise routine keeps the heart strong and improves the elasticity of the arteries. If 30 minutes is a goal that is difficult to achieve, try dividing it into three, 10-minute exercise sessions per day. Every small step for your health will make a big difference.
- Eat a heart-healthy diet.
Aim for plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein and low-fat dairy products, as these can help protect your heart. Omega-3 fatty acids (a healthy form of fat), may decrease risk of heart attack, protect against irregular heartbeats and lower blood pressure.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
Being overweight can lead to conditions that increase chances of heart disease. This includes high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. Just a 10% weight reduction can decrease blood pressure, lower blood cholesterol level and reduce risk of diabetes.
- Have your numbers checked.
If left untreated, high blood pressure and high cholesterol can lead to long-term damage of the heart and blood vessels. Regular health screenings can determine whether or not you are at risk for these conditions and if action is needed.
ACI Specialty Benefits offers hands-on, high-tech solutions designed to impact the bottom line and meet the diverse needs of any workforce. ACI’s CORE Wellness specialists work directly with clients to custom-build a wellness program that engages employees and all family members, strengthens corporate culture, and produces measurable results. For additional health and wellness information contact a CORE Wellness Coach at (800) 932-0034 or email us today!