February is Heart Health Month so we thought we’d give a few natural (and easy) suggestions for taking care of your ticker!
–Get up and MOVE! Who doesn’t feel better after a great workout. Have you ever heard anyone say ‘Man, I wish I hadn’t worked out today’?!?! No way! In most cases we hear ‘Man, I wish I hadn’t finished the sleeve of Oreos’. Commit yourself to 30 minutes of exercise 3-5 times a week. It can be a brisk walk, light jog or maybe you can pick up the Wii and challenge your kids to an intense game of tennis.
–Eat the right foods – Whether you choose salmon, ground flaxseed, oatmeal, black or pinto beans, raw almonds and walnuts, and brown rice. Among the many heart-healthy fresh fruits and vegetables, these are especially beneficial: orange vegetables, spinach, broccoli, tomatoes, asparagus, citrus and blueberries.
–Spend time with people you love -the heart is the center of your emotions; love, bonding, connection, and intimacy are things we all need/want. By spending time with others, you have the opportunity to give and receive love, and that’s good for the heart too!
–Laugh and be HAPPY – There are many health benefits to being optimistic and looking on the bright side of things! Be that person that makes others smile…it really is rewarding! A good belly laugh can send 20% more blood flowing through your entire body. One study found that when people watched a funny movie, their blood flow increased. That’s why laughter might just be the perfect antidote to stress.
–Get plenty of sleep -Sleep washes away any negatives from the day before and helps you feel charged up and ready to go for the next day. It’s really true that troubles always seem easier to deal with after a good night’s sleep! As we observe American Heart Month, these are some of the key steps you and your loved ones can take to protect against heart disease. And as always…give us a call today if you’d like some great recommendations for products that may help improve your heart health!
