February is a time when most people focus on showing appreciation for their significant other, but it’s also a time to focus on your own health, specifically your heart.
Nearly 610,000 people die from heart disease every year in the United States making this the leading cause of death for both men and women.
We at Glasstic want to change this statistic. Most heart disease is preventable with only a few lifestyle changes. These are easy steps that anyone can take to significantly improve their heart health.
As we at Glasstic continue to preach in many of our posts, exercising and eating right are on the top of this list. These two steps have the ability to control blood pressure, weight management, and blood sugar and cholesterol levels – all major health aspects that lead to an increased chance of heart disease. Exercising and eating right may sound difficult or you truly believe you just don’t have time to make these a priority in your life, but just take thirty minutes out of your day to take a run around the block or do a few sit-ups and start eating healthy by cooking more fish, eating more fiber or simply replacing butter with olive oil when cooking.
High blood pressure and cholesterol levels affect a large percentage of Americans and without the proper care, can put you at a higher risk for heart disease. It’s important to routinely see a doctor for these check-ups so you can remain healthy and aware of health risks you may face. Along with eating right and exercising, sleep can also contribute to controlling your blood pressure and cholesterol. Researchers suggest that seven hours is the lucky number to not sleep too much or too little.
Unhealthy habits like smoking can also be detrimental to your health. Cigarette and tobacco smoke is a major risk factor for heart disease and accounts for one-fifth of all deaths related to heart disease. There is no safe amount of smoking as it not only hurts you, but also the people around you. There are many resources to help you with tips and suggestions on how to quit smoking.
Remember, there are no excuses when it comes to your health. It’s of the utmost importance so grab your favorite Glasstic bottle and begin that resolution to a healthier you.
For more information on your heart health, visit the American Heart Association.