Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men, women, and people of every group. It is estimated that one in four people die of heart disease and cardiovascular issues, with about 650,000 people dying from it every year. But just because it has a statistical possibility doesn’t mean that dying of heart disease is inevitable. With a few simple changes to your lifestyle, you can decrease your risk by a huge percentage. Here are four heart disease prevention tips you should know about.
Get Some Exercise
Some people are discouraged at the thought of exercise, thinking it requires a lot of time and excessive effort. But you don’t have to train for the Olympics to remain healthy. Try to get about a half-hour of exercise each day that raises your heart rate and gets your blood pumping. Taking an active walk is one excellent way to engage in exercise, but going for a run is even better. Swim, bicycle, play sports, or do some traditional aerobic exercises once a day over the course of five days.
Eat Smart
The next of our four heart disease prevention tips you should know about may also be fairly obvious: eat right. Avoid fatty and greasy food and dine on leafy greens and beans, fresh fruits of all sorts, and protein-rich nuts. Eat smaller portions that are rich in nutrition, and lower the amount of bad cholesterol you take in. It’s best to abstain entirely from drinking, but even limiting alcohol to one glass a day can help reduce your risk of heart disease. It’s said that red wine has antioxidants that are good for your heart, but there are better sources for these nutrients. Keep your alcohol intake low.
Don’t Smoke
It’s hard to believe that people still need to be warned not to smoke, but here is yet another warning: don’t smoke. Smoking is a surefire way to raise your blood pressure, and it can increase your likelihood of developing heart disease as well as suffering strokes, cancer, and other conditions. If you don’t smoke, don’t start, and if you already smoke, stop. Your health will only improve as a result.
Stay Cool
Stress is a part of life, but too much stress puts a greater strain on your heart and body in general. Take time to de-stress during the day. Meditate, breathe deeply, and clear your mind for a few minutes each day. Cut down on caffeine and learn to relax when you have the time. Read, sit with friends and family, and count your blessings. It all helps to fight heart disease!
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