It works for you night and day, 24/7, year after year; but how often do you think about giving that heart of yours some TLC?
For something that, on average, beats 100,000 times a day to keep you alive, it's worth having a plan in mind. So open your heart to these five ideas from the medical staff at Methodist Richardson Medical Center, and other experts:
- Drop by your doctor's office. When was your last blood pressure check and cholesterol screening? These tests can help your doctor measure your risk of heart disease.
- Fuel up for your heart. A heart-healthy diet includes eating plenty of fruits, veggies, and whole grains and cutting back on artery-clogging cholesterol and fat.
- Step away from the couch. A sedentary lifestyle boosts your risk for heart disease and some of the health problems that contribute to it.
- Watch your weight. Oversized portions and high-calorie foods are some of the culprits that contribute to excess weight and raise your risk of heart disease.
- Commit to quit. Yes, quitting smoking is difficult -- but, you can do it. If you stop now, you'll cut your risk of heart disease dramatically in just one year.