Keeping the heart healthy is among the most important things that can be done in someone’s life. At first, it may seem like an overwhelming task that can only be accomplished with a complete overhaul of someone’s life. But, all it takes are some simple changes to put someone’s health right back on track. Here are 5 guidelines to follow every day to achieve a healthier body and heart.
Practice good dental hygiene
While dental health may not be the first thing that comes to mind when someone thinks about heart health, it is an important factor to take into consideration. Those with gum disease often have the same risk factors for heart disease. The gum disease bacteria can make their way into the bloodstream which may lead to a stroke or heart disease.
To avoid this follow the standard dental routine of brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing regularly. This standard dental routine is the most effective, but regular visits to the dentist are highly recommended to ensure no problems are present.
Avoid being sedentary for too long
Even if someone is relatively active, there are years of research that suggest that staying seated for a long time is bad for their health. In fact, sitting for long periods of time has been known to increase the risk of a blood clot, whether it be at the office or when traveling.
It’s never too late to start and get the benefits of being active. Those looking to reverse the trend are encouraged to take their dog out for a walk in the mornings, join a gym, or even taking the stairs instead of the elevator at work. There are an endless variety of ways to get more activity included in someone’s day to day life.
Get a good night’s sleep
Those who sleep less than 6 hours a night may be in for a rude awakening. Sleep is essential and not resting well enough may place them at a higher risk of having a stroke or heart attack.
A good night’s sleep is a priority and must last for at least 7-8 hours a night. If there are any conditions that may affect someone’s sleep, if they’re not able to fall asleep at night, or if there are issues staying asleep at night, it’s recommended that help from a doctor be found to see what can be done to help.
Get a regular checkup
Regular checkups with your doctor are the most important step that can be taken to avoid heart problems from developing. While someone may already be following the suggestions outlined above, nothing can ensure optimal health like regular doctor visits. They will be able to run a series of medical exams to ensure that the body is functioning as should be.
Most people already have health insurance benefits from their job, so taking advantage of these benefits is key.
Clean up your diet
There are a wide variety of diets available today, with some of the most recognizable being the paleo diet and the keto diet. However, the core of what makes healthy eating continues to be the same. Those looking to clean up their diet are recommended to stay away from refined or processed food such as bread, pasta, and cookies. Instead, whole, single-ingredient food are encouraged, such as eating more protein. This can include fruits, vegetables, nuts, oatmeal, quinoa, and more.
A quick and simple way of cleaning up someone’s diet is to avoid drinking calories. These calories are usually empty and come in the form of sugar-filled soda, fruit juice, or energy drinks. These drinks may appear to be healthy, but they lack any nutrients and are best avoided. For those looking to satisfy their thirst while drinking, there are several healthy options including tea, sparkling water, or regular water.
Keeping your heart healthy can be easy
Ensuring that the heart is in optimal health can be done by following the above 5 guidelines. While there are countless other suggestions to follow, these will be the perfect first step for those looking to change their life. After all, a small change today could be the change needed to avoid potential heart problems down the road
David Cruz is an avid writer based out of Pennsylvania, with ample experience in the medical/health field. When he’s not catching up on the latest health trends he can be found working on his latest DIY project or meditating at home.
