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Check out These 5 Tips for a Healthy Heart
ShareCheck out These 5 Tips for a Healthy Heart
Did you know that every 10 minutes in Australia, someone has a heart attack? Having a healthy diet and lifestyle is key to having a healthy heart – and reducing your risk of heart disease. Not sure where to start? Try these tips:1 Quit smoking
This is the single best thing you can do for a healthy heart. Smoking doubles the risk of heart attack, triples the rate of stroke, and increases the risk of angina by 20 times. So it’s a no brainer to quit as soon as you can.2 Eat a balanced diet
The Heart Foundation recommends the following foods for heart-healthy eating:- Vegetables, fruits and wholegrains
- Protein like fish, lean meat and poultry, legumes, nuts and seeds
- Dairy including milk, yoghurt and cheese
- Healthy fats like avocadoes, olive oil, nuts and seeds
- Herbs and spices for flavour – ditch the salt
- Water over any other drink
A dietician or nutritionist can create a meal plan tailored to your health goals and lifestyle.
3 Be active
Exercising regularly can also cut your risk of developing heart disease. It also works wonders for mental health – and keeping stress at bay. And if you sit a lot during the day, take plenty of breaks to stand, stretch, and walk around.4 Check your vitals
Keep an eye on your blood pressure and cholesterol. Be sure to get regular check-ups, so your doctor can also monitor your levels. This can help prevent problems down the road – and spot any issues early.5 Keep your mind healthy
People who experience depression or other mental health issues tend to have a higher risk of developing heart disease. Reach out to someone you know and trust, seek support from health professionals and support groups, and try to incorporate some social activities in your routine.
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