You have the ability to protect against heart disease by making healthy choices.
Despite the fact that millions of Americans have some form of heart disease, there is comfort in knowing that you have the ability to reduce your risk for heart disease through simple lifestyle adjustments. Leading a healthy lifestyle can greatly improve your heart health, and our Brandon, FL, primary care physicians Drs. Joel & Elizabeth Biggers can help you make changes to your lifestyle now to prevent heart disease from happening to you. Here are three steps you can take right now to greatly improve your heart health,
Quit Smoking
If you smoke or uses tobacco products one of the best things you can do for your health, particularly your heart health, is to quit. Even secondhand smoke has the ability to increase your risk for heart disease. As soon as you quit smoking, your risk for heart disease begins to drop, and your risk will continue to decrease over the years. If you’re having a hard time quitting on your own, our Brandon, FL, doctors can recommend certain programs or products that can help you quit smoking for good.
Get Up and Moving Daily
It’s important that everyone gets at least 30 minutes of moderate aerobic activity most days of the week. Staying fit and active can greatly lower your risk for heart disease. Plus, exercise can also boost endorphins, which is known to improve mood. Regular exercise can also reduce your risk for diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. If you’re not sure how to begin exercising, talk with your doctor first.
Eat a Healthy, Heart-Friendly Diet
What you eat can also have a major impact on your overall health, particularly your heart. Many people follow a Mediterranean-style diet because it’s chock full of healthy fats like olive oil and nuts, as well as lots of vegetables, whole grains, lean meat (like fish and chicken) and low-fat dairy. Processed foods are often high in sodium and sugar, which can have a serious impact on your heart. Foods that also contain a lot of saturated and trans fats such as red meat, fast food and desserts can increase your risk for heart disease.
If you are looking for strategies to protect your heart, the medical team at Biggers Family Medicine in Brandon, FL, is here to help. No matter how at-risk you are for heart disease, leading a healthy lifestyle will improve your heart health and overall wellbeing. Call us today at (813) 655-4646 to learn more.