February is American Heart Month, a time to raise awareness about heart disease and encourage everyone to prioritize their cardiovascular health. As a community pharmacist, I see firsthand how lifestyle choices significantly impact heart health.
Here are some key ways to show your heart some love:
- Fuel Your Body Right:
- Focus on whole foods: Load up on fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
- Limit processed foods: Cut back on sugary drinks, fast food, and excessive salt intake.
- Healthy fats are key: Incorporate sources of healthy fats like avocados, nuts, and olive oil into your diet.
- Move Your Body:
- Find activities you enjoy: Whether it's brisk walking, dancing, swimming, cycling, or pickleball, aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise most days of the week.
- Stress Less:
- Find healthy coping mechanisms: Practice relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises.
- Prioritize sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. Put your phone away at least one hour before bedtime.
- Don't Smoke:
- Quitting is the best decision: Smoking significantly increases the risk of heart disease.
- Know Your Numbers:
- Regular check-ups are crucial: Schedule regular appointments with your doctor for blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar checks.
Your Pharmacist Can Help
Your local pharmacist can be a valuable resource in your heart health journey. They can:
- Provide medication counseling to help you understand your medications, address any side effects, and ensure you're taking them correctly.
- Offer over-the-counter recommendations and help you choose heart-healthy supplements.
- Provide health screenings: Many pharmacies offer blood pressure checks and other health screenings.
- Refer you to community resources, such as smoking cessation programs or nutrition counseling.
This February let's make a commitment to prioritize our heart health. By making small, sustainable changes to our lifestyle, we can significantly reduce our risk of heart disease and live longer, healthier lives.
