Learn the Ins and Outs of Healthy Blood Pressure
Showing Your Heart More Love This Month
There’s still a little more love to share during February, even though Valentine’s Day has come and gone. American Heart Month is dedicated to speaking about cardiovascular and blood pressure issues. Heart disease is currently the leading cause of death in the United States alone, marking around 610,000 fatalities a year. But the state of heart health isn’t restricted to just America – it’s also the leading cause of health issues around the world, raising that number to over 17.9 million fatalities per year. That statistic is expected to grow even higher in the future!
But to avoid becoming another statistic, giving your heart that extra love can help. All it takes is a little adjustment to your health routines, and a careful focus on your heart system’s current state of affairs.
The History of American Heart Month
First you’ve heard of it? American Heart Month is actually a federally designated month, going as far back as a certain February in the year 1964, and was proclaimed by President Lyndon B. Johnson. Because of just how widespread heart disease was, spreading awareness was highly encouraged. With today’s statistics, it’s now more important than ever that people become more knowledgeable on what they can do to keep their heart well-supported.
One emphasis on American Heart Month is how it can be used to promote heart-centered community activities. Speaking with health educators, work supervisors, and teachers can not only help yourself, but also others. Instilling a set period for physical activity in the workplace, educating students about their heart health, and even making smart food choices for your family (for example, switching out salt for spices to season food), can teach others the importance of cardiovascular health. But actions speak louder than words – you should also make the effort yourself to support your heart.
Work Heart-Healthy Foods into Your Diet
If your previous meals have been full of high-fattening foods lately, changing up your diet can not only help your heart, but also your waistline. A large risk factor of heart disease is high cholesterol, high blood pressure, as well as obesity that can contribute to heart conditions. But the right foods can change that. Some examples of heart healthy food include the following:
- Fish
- Nuts and berries
- Fruits
- Vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes, broccoli, spinach and more
- Flaxseeds
- Black beans
- Spinach
- High fiber cereals
Limit or cut out foods that are high in saturated fat and sugar, such as greasy hamburgers, white bread, cakes and cookies, and candies. Replace your soda binges with water, and not only will you have more energy, but take in even less sugar that could harm your heart.
Having a Good Workout
Sitting all day at work can be limiting for your health, especially for your heart. Try out these types of exercises to get your heart pumping.
Aerobic activity: At least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week is vital for your health. A daily half hour walk can prove more than enough, but if you want a something a little more fast-paced, a jog on the treadmill can help your heart get the blood flowing through you.
Strength training: Doing strength and resistance training exercises for all your muscle groups also benefits the heart. Weight machines in the gym can help you achieve your goal, but even activities such as rock climbing also contributes.
Preventative Care with Blood Pressure Vitality
To know you’re on the right track, it’s good to measure your blood pressure levels regularly, which can be done so by going in for those annual health check-ups. Because high blood pressure can increase the risk of heart disease, keeping them in balance is the key to good heart health. U.S. Doctors’ Clinical®’s Blood Pressure Vitality supplies your body with the right blend of herbal nutrients to keeping a healthy blood pressure range, all while supporting a healthy circulation. Combined with a healthy diet, daily exercise, and spreading the news about heart health, you can be on your way to having a more well-loved heart.