Heart disease is the leading cause of death in America. That being said, proactive changes you can make to help prevent it, such as quitting smoking, eating a low-cholesterol diet, and exercising can lessen the chance of developing heart disease.
It is possible that you have developed some of these habits without realizing it. Walking for a minimum of 30 minutes a day is a proven step to decreasing your incidence of heart disease. It is a fact that people who start exercising regularly after a heart attack have higher survival rates long term. Walking with a friend, walking your dog...these are ways that you can improve the condition of your heart, lose weight, and be doing something more enjoyable without feeling like you are on an exercise "program".
Eating whole grain foods, especially bread, is one of the latest buzz words in "diet" circles. Whole grain foods, such as bread, rice, & pasta are full of fiber, making you feel much more full after you eat them. Compared to bread, rice, & pasta made with white flour, the glycemic index of whole grain foods is much lower, providing more stable glucose levels that the body can use more efficiently. This more stable glycemic index also yields lower Triglyceride levels and less fat accumulation.
Getting enough sleep. The National Sleep Foundation states that a lack of sleep is linked to heart disease and stroke. Less than seven hours of sleep per night on a consistent basis may boost blood pressure. Getting less than 5 hours of sleep per night is associated with an increased incidence of heart disease.
Brushing your teeth...something as simple as looking after your teeth and gums may help keep heart disease away. It is not clear where the link lies, but researchers have found that people with gum disease are almost twice as likely to suffer from coronary artery disease. If you have a heart condition already, gum disease can make it worse.
Feeling good about your self at least once per day...yes we have heard that laughter is the best medicine, however doing something for at least 15 minutes a day that you thoroughly enjoy will naturally decrease your stress and put you in a better frame of mind. Being happy can lower blood pressure. Happy people have more energy and a stronger desire to exercise. We do not know if stress has a direct link to heart disease or not, but we do know there is a strong indirect link between stress and heart disease.
Simple concepts such as the ones we have discussed can effect a positive change in our lives, thus Empowering each of us. Do you want to live a happier, healthier life? Do you want to become Empowered?
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