Heart disease is the No. 1 killer, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. When you live a heart-healthy lifestyle, you are helping to prevent heart-related illnesses such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and cardiovascular disease, which can lead to stroke or heart attacks. Consider different lifestyle behaviors to help you live a long and healthy life.
Eat a Healthy Diet
Stay away from saturated fats and avoid food that is high in cholesterol. Load up on fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, low-fat dairy products and foods that are not high in added sugars. Do not overindulge in alcohol. This means having no more than one drink a day if you are a female and no more than two if you are a male. Limit your caffeine intake and instead have plenty of water. Being overweight or obese can lead to heart-related illnesses, so make sure that your body mass index is within normal limits. If it isn't, discuss how to safely lose weight with your doctor or dietitian.
Engage in Physical Activity
Unfortunately, physical activity does not appear to be a priority in American society. Being physically inactive can lead to obesity, which can result in heart-related illnesses. Engage in at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise a day. This can be jogging, biking, swimming or heavy gardening. Find an activity that you enjoy and make it a part of your daily routine. For some, it means carving out time to join a gym. For others, it can be as simple as taking a brisk walk outside every morning.
Deal With Stress Appropriately
Stress is something that everyone has to deal with. Too much stress can contribute to high blood pressure and other illnesses. It is important to deal with stress appropriately by knowing how to minimize stress when it becomes overwhelming. Some techniques include taking breaks from a stressful activity when you can, doing deep breathing exercises, taking a yoga class or meditating. If stress interferes with sleep and eating habits or creates problems in everyday life, it is time to get help from your doctor or a counselor.
Do Not Smoke
Smoking can contribute to heart disease and cancers such as lung cancer. If you smoke, one of the first things you can do to improve your health is to stop. If you live with individuals who smoke, encourage them to stop and make sure that you are not inhaling their secondhand smoke, which can also be detrimental.
