What have you done for your old ticker recently? Heart disease tops the charts for killing the most Americans every year, yet, it is rarely considered on a day-to-day basis as a threat. Unfortunately, the risk is very real. Even if you think you're somewhat healthy or still in your prime, there are certain bad habits that negatively impact your heart. Check out what you can do to promote your heart health and live a healthier lifestyle.
Stop Sitting
That's right, sitting all day skyrockets your chance of heart failure. If your job requires you to sit at a desk, be sure to get up and take a five-minute walk every hour, hold walking meetings, and stretch often. This small tweak in your routine can keep your arteries flexible and blood flowing properly, protecting against the negative effects of remaining sedentary.
Quit Smoking
Smoking is a silent killer, but even if we are aware of the side effects of tobacco cigarettes, there are still tens of millions of smokers worldwide. Smoking is responsible for at least 30 percent of deaths related to heart disease - not to mention that it is also a high-risk factor for certain types of cancer, like mouth, throat, and lung cancer.
Reduce Meat Consumption
Eating too much meat can be harmful to your health. Meat hardens your blood vessels, causing clogs, and therefore heart attacks. Aim to reduce your meat consumption per day and swap it out for healthy, plant-based alternatives, such as tofu, tempeh, beans, and legumes.
Catch Your 40 Winks
Lack of sleep can lead to what is known as sleep deprivation. This can lead to hormonal imbalances, which not only makes you eat more but negatively affects your heart. Aim to get around 7 to 8 hours of sleep every night!
Cut Back on the Drinks
Having a drink once in a while will not have a major impact on your heart but if you consume alcohol regularly then your heart will suffer in the long run. Alcohol increases the risk of developing hypertension, causing heart disease. As one of the leading causes of death in the U.S., it's best to stick to water some nights.
The professionals at Jack Stone Insurance Agency wish you a successful National Nutrition Month with improvements to your health! For all of your insurance needs in Antioch, Brentwood, and neighboring cities in California, visit our expert team today!
