Are You Taking Care of Your Heart?
According to the CDC, Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. The good news is that Heart disease can often be prevented when people make healthy choices and manage their health conditions. As part of American Heart Month, we at Medisafe chose to join the efforts of raising awareness and give our users 3 pointers and actions on how to lower your risk of Heart disease.
A. Eat For Your Heart
Healthy diets have a great positive effect on our health and helps prevent many diseases. When specifically discussing Heart Disease, here are two foods that we feel you should know their affect:
Salt-OUT
Based on a study from the CDC, most Americans continue to consume too much sodium despite dietary guidelines or existing health conditions: “The finding that nine of ten adults and children still consume too much salt is alarming,” said CDC Director Tom Frieden, MD, MPH. “The evidence is clear: too much sodium in our foods leads to high blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Reducing sodium in manufactured and restaurant foods will give consumers more choice and save lives.
So how much salt is too much? For optimal heart-health, the American Heart Association recommends: “Aim to eat no more than 1,500 milligrams of sodium per day. That level is associated with a significant reduction in blood pressure, which in turn reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke. Because the average American’s sodium intake is so excessive, even cutting back to no more than 2,400 milligrams a day will significantly improve blood pressure and heart health.” For more information about recommended sodium intake, click here.
Fat- IN. But…
According to new research in Journal of the American Heart Association: “Eating healthier fats could save more than a million people internationally from dying from heart disease, and the types of diet changes needed differ greatly between countries”
Foods that contain “healthy fats” include avocados, olive oil, raw nuts, “fatty fish” such as salmon, trout, mackerel, sardines and herring. On the other hand, stay far away from deep fried food, commercially baked goods and fast food- those are loaded with trans fats and saturated fats that your heart surely does not agree with.
B. Control High Blood Pressure
High Blood Pressure is the most common heart disease risk factor. If you have hypertension, keeping a close eye on your Blood Pressure will help you on this front as well. Our research has already proven that using Medisafe Measurements can dramatically improve your blood pressure levels.
C. Relieve Stress
As we’ve mentioned before, stress is a normal part of life. Small amounts of stress may be desired, beneficial, and even healthy. But if left unmanaged, stress can lead to emotional, psychological, and even physical problems, including heart disease and high blood pressure.
There are many ways to relieve unnecessary stress, be it Yoga, writing, or just doing something you love. Find what it is that gives you the peace of mind you need to lead a healthier life.
Medisafe suggests: 4 Yoga Positions You Can Perform Anytime, Anywhere
For more information on ways to prevent heart disease, visit American Heart Association
Here’s to a healthier you!