Reducing Your Risk Of Heart Disease
by Julia Gregory
Heart disease kills approximately 610,000 people in the United States every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If you do not live a healthy lifestyle, you are more likely to develop this disease. Making some simple changes can keep your heart in good shape. Here is some helpful advice on reducing your risk of heart disease:
Add Omega-3 Fatty Acids to Your Diet
If you are looking to reduce your risk of heart disease, omega-3 fatty acids are definitely something you should include in your diet. These fatty acids are effective at reducing inflammation and protecting your blood vessels and heart. It is a good idea to eat fatty fish, such as tuna and salmon, twice a week. Other good sources of this nutrient include walnuts, olive oil and avocados.
Get Moving
Regular exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight and reduce stress, which are both important for the health of your heart. Exercising for 30 minutes on most days will make a big difference. Running, swimming, biking and even dancing are great cardiovascular exercises that you should consider.
Don't Expose Yourself to Second-Hand Smoke
Even if you are not a smoker yourself, you can still increase your risk of heart disease by being around smokers. Try to avoid places where people smoke as much as possible. If your family members or friends smoke, ask them to not smoke around you.
Consider Taking Aspirin
If you are at a higher risk of developing heart disease, you should talk to your doctor about taking aspirin. When you take low doses of aspirin, it can thin out your blood, reducing the risks of clots. Ask your doctor how much aspirin you should take per day.
Do Not Let Stress Take Over Your Life
Too much stress can be very bad for your physical health and increases your risk of heart issues. Learning how to manage your anxiety can help keep your heart healthy. Try to take 20 minutes out of each day to do something relaxing, such as meditating or practicing yoga.
Heart disease is scary to think about, but it does not have to happen to you. If you follow these helpful tips, you can lower your chances of developing this condition. If you possess risk factors of heart disease, you should remember to visit your doctor at least once a year for a checkup. If you don't already have a cardiologist, look from one at places like Alpert Zales & Castro Pediatric Cardiology.
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About Me
The decision to move one of my parents into assisted living was one of the most difficult I have ever made. I had extreme feelings of guilt that led to me being at the facility with my parent practically around the clock. It took a few months before I realized that I could not let my own life fall apart from the guilt I was feeling. I also learned that my parent was fine without me constantly hovering around. Since that time, I have had several friends express similar feelings of guilt. I started this blog to help others in the same situation understand not only their feelings about assisted living, but those of their parents.