Maybe you’ve never given much thought to your heart health. But as you get older, it should definitely be on your proverbial radar. After all, you want your heart to keep on ticking smoothly for a long time. So try a few of the following tips to make sure your heart stays healthy and beats strong.
Get Checked Out
First, have your heart checked out. Even if you don’t think you have any problems, let your family physician have a look. Your doctor will run some tests and refer you to a specialist like Ian Weisberg if anything appears out of sorts. It’s better to know about and deal with potential issues early on to avoid major problems down the road.
Eat Right
Next, take a close look at your diet. Are you making heart-healthy choices? If not, then you’ll have to make a few changes. Start small by cutting back on the junk food and incorporating more lean meats, fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains into your diet. If you like to cook, do an internet search for heart-healthy recipes, and try a few new dishes.
Exercise
Your heart’s health also depends on your level of activity, so get up and get moving with a regular exercise routine. If you haven’t exercised in a while, start slowly. A long walk several times a week may be a great way to begin. Over time, you can add other activities like bicycling, dancing, swimming or weight training.
Remember, too, that you’ll need to make a firm commitment to your exercise routine. It’s easy to skip a day but often difficult to get back into your workouts when you’ve been away for a while. So schedule time right on your calendar if you must, and keep on exercising whether you want to or not.
Minimize Stress
Finally, work to minimize your stress. A constant barrage of worry and anxiety can be hard on your heart. So build a toolbox of stress management techniques. You might experiment with everything from guided breathing exercises to biofeedback to music therapy. Find several methods that work to you, and pull them out when you need to calm down and find some balance.
A Healthy Heart
A healthy heart is key to a healthy life. So pay attention to your heart by visiting your doctor, eating right, exercising and minimizing your stress. When you do, you’ll be on the road to heart health and a longer, more satisfying life.
