HEART HEALTH

You can go on to the British Heart Foundations Website and get publications, leaflets and much more….but I wanted to write this little article about Heart Health

How a healthy heart works

Your heart is a muscle about the size of a fist. It is in the middle of your chest tilted slightly to the left.

Each day, your heart beats about 100,000 times. It pumps about 23,000 litres (5,000 gallons) of blood around your body.

This blood delivers oxygen and nutrients to all parts of your body, and carries away unwanted carbon dioxide and waste products. Your heart is a vital part of your cardiovascular system.

How can you help keep your Heart Healthy?

1. Exercise

Helps keep the heart strong

Reduces risk of heart disease

Reduces Cholesterol

Reduces Blood Pressure

Increases Energy

Reduces Stress

It doesn’t have to be a big challenge you set yourself…small steps of you are starting out:

Small Changes

As little as 10mins a day counts

Be realistic with your goals

Make it part of your day (take the stairs, walk on lunch)

Variety – mix it up

Reward progress with a massage

Join a group and get support

2. Healthy Eating

Regular Meals

Veggies in your diet

Reduce Salt Intake

Eliminate “Bad” Fats

Eat Fish

Stay Hydrated

Eat “Good” Fats

Don’t go crazy, and don’t avoid food….just change your lifestyle and eat healthy:

Keep a food diary

Plan and Prepare Meals

Resist Temptation

3. Eliminate/Reduce Stress

Stress isn’t a direct factor but it is a contributor. The more you stress, the more stress you put on your heart and it’ll also have an effect on your diet and exercise….so really it all needs to work hand in hand

Make positive Lifestyle Changes

Relax

Exercise

Positive, Healthy changes to Diet

Seek support if needed

Take time out

All the above points work hand in hand and they all support each other.

Start small and prioritise and work through a way to lead the happiest and healthiest lifestyle you can

You Deserve it

Your HEART Deserves it

Give it the love it needs….for LIFE!!!

Jen x