Health News

Bad Heart Habits

Do you exercise? That's great. But if you sit down for most of the rest of your day, that's a problem. You need to be active all day long. Little bursts count. If you have a desk job, take a  short walk every hour, to boost your circulation, even if it's just your break room and back.  Binge -watching your favorite show?  Get up and dance, or do push-ups during the commercials.
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* You say I'm Too Young

Don't wait on working to keep your heart healthy. Exercise, eat a healthy diet, and know your numbers-- blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar. The ideal time to do your heart, is now.
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​* One Drink Too Many

For most people, moderate drinking (one a day for women and up to two daily for men) is OK. More than that can raise  levels of certain fats in the blood, and raise blood pressure, too. That's especially true if you have several drinks at a time. So stick to your limit.
 
​*You Dia a Good-For-You Diet

You may think it's going to be all oat bran, all the time. Surprise! There's no reason for your food to be bland and boring. A Mediterranean style has delicious foods like olive oil, nuts, fruit, whole grains, fish, lean protein, and red wine. It helps keep your heart healthy, thanks to the 'good' fats, fiber and nutrients. Plus you'll actually want to stick to this diet because it tastes so good.
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*You don't know your numbers

Pop quiz: What's your cholesterol level? How about your blood pressure? No clue? That's risky. They could be too high without you knowing. (You could feel just fine and have high cholesterol or high blood pressure). So protect yourself. Starting at age 20, make sure your see your doctor regularly and create a plan to check and track your numbers.

* Waist Not

Belly fat is particularly bad for your heart. So get your tape measure and size up the inches around your waist. It's a red flag if it's more than 35 inches around for women and 40 inches for men. Need to slim down? Take it step by step. Even losing a small amount of weight is good for your heart.

* You Ignore Your Blues

When you feel low it's hard to do things that are good for you, like exercise. If you felt down for more than a few weeks, talk to a doctor or a mental health professional. Talk therapy, exercise, medication (if needed) can improve your mood so you have more energy to take care of yourself. 
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Credit:WebMD