According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one person living in the United States passes away every 37 seconds from cardiovascular disease.
During American Heart Month this February, our team at AFC Urgent Care Gastonia wants you to know what steps you can take in order to live a healthier lifestyle so that you can promote a healthier heart for years and years to come!
What Kind of Diet Helps Your Heart Health?
When you are filling your plate, you want to make sure your fruits and vegetables are the main event. Overall, your diet should include five servings of vegetables and four servings of fruits on a daily basis.
Beyond fruits and veggies, fill the rest of your plate with whole grains, lean protein and a small amount of healthy fats, like those found in fatty fish and olive oil. Limit your intake of added sugars, excess sodium and saturated fat.
Good Foods for Heart Health
- Leafy green vegetables
- Whole grains
- Berries
- Avocados
- Fatty fish
- Walnuts
- Beans
- Dark chocolate
- Tomatoes
- Almonds
What Does Exercise Do for Heart Health?
When you live a sedentary lifestyle, you are putting yourself at risk for a number of conditions, such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes—which can all lead to an increased risk of heart disease.
Fortunately, by exercising for at least 30 minutes a day, you can reduce your risk of heart disease, as well as lower your chances of having high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes so that you can promote a healthier heart.
Good Exercises for Your Heart
- Walking
- Cycling
- Ski machines
- Stair climbers
- Steppers
- Ellipticals
- Swimming activities
- Jogging
- Aerobic dance
Could you use a checkup? Stop by AFC Urgent Care Gastonia today—no appointment is needed!
