GRANDVILLE, Mich.,––If you see the color red more often this time of year, it might not just be for Valentine's Day. Did you know February is American Heart Month, too? Established in 1964, this month is to raise awareness of heart disease. While this occasion might be missed, standing alongside major holidays like Valentine's Day, Mardis Gras, and Fat Tuesday, it's really important! In fact, heart disease, including heart attack and stroke, accounts for 17.9 million deaths each year. It's the leading cause of death in the U.S., so now, more than ever, these tips for keeping your heart healthy are a necessary read!
Find Healthy Ways to Deal with Stress & Anxiety
Stress and anxiety can affect everyone's health, including the most relaxed people, and can manifest differently in each person. Some people in high-stress situations turn to unhealthy comfort foods to cope, while others experience chronic raised levels of cortisol and weight gain. Stress and anxiety might not be the direct cause of heart disease, but it can subtly influence it. It's, first and foremost, important to take note of how you're feeling and what's going on around you that could cause you to be stressed. Then it's time to find ways to deal with your stress and anxiety in a healthy manner. Eating well, avoiding alcohol and caffeine, and getting enough sleep is a great start. Some people find relief in meditation or in talking to a friend. Exercise is also a great tool (see our next point) to managing stress!
Exercise, Exercise, Exercise
How many times have you been told that exercise is a part of a healthy life? The same advice, very obviously, goes for heart disease! Exercise can not only be a great way to relieve stress, but it can help improve your health in general. Getting off the couch and engaging in cardiovascular exercise like walking, dancing, or even cleaning the house can condition your heart, lower your blood pressure, lower your cholesterol, and help you lose weight. Many recommend 30 minutes per day, which can seem much less intimidating if you're able break it up into small segments. Try taking a break during your work day and take a 15 minute walk, take the stairs instead of the elevator when you can, park further away from the grocery store entrance, whatever it takes to get a little more exercise in will be good for your heart in the long run.
Decrease Your Processed Sugar IntakeThis might be hard to hear around Valentine's Day, especially with all the yummy and sugar-filled treats around, but cutting your processed sugar intake can make a significant impact on your health. It has been found, through multiple studies, that those who consume a diet high in sugar are much more likely to suffer not only weight gain, but heart disease, too. Processed sugar is also referred to as refined sugar or added sugars and doesn't include natural occurring sugars found in fruit, whole grains, and vegetables. These added sugars can often be in place of another ingredient in low-fat foods or as a preservative, so be aware of the label when shopping packaged or processed food.
Healthy Snacks Ideas by Delish
PopSugar Fitness YouTube
We hope these tips for keeping your heart healthy give you the tools to live a healthier life, not just during American Heart Month, but throughout the year! Whether it's your goal to lose 10 pounds, or you just want to make 2018 your best year yet, the tips above can help you achieve that. To avoid some of the stress that can come with your regular routine, we recommend investing in a reliable vehicle. The team at RiverTown Honda is able to work with any budget. We've got a large selection of great used and Certified Pre-Owned vehicles, as well as awesome deals on new Honda leases - like the 2018 Honda Civic sedan for $149/mo. through the end of February! And, just like taking preventative action for your heart, take care of your car with routine maintenance and recommended or scheduled maintenance to keep it running well. We can help with that, too. Visit us in Grandville, just 12 minutes from downtown Grand Rapids, for the best dealership experience of your life!
Give RiverTown Honda a call at (877) 236-9113, or visit us at 4260 Kenowa Ave. Grandville, MI 49418, one mile west of RiverTown Mall.
Practice Prevention & Have Yourself Checked Out
During your normal yearly exam with your doctor or physician, you should receive a blood pressure check and should have blood work done to check your cholesterol levels. The results should indicate if you're more at risk for heart issues. If you think you're more at risk for heart disease, start the conversation with your doctor and ask what you can do to help prevent it. All the tips above are a great starting point! In general, living a healthier life by eating better, not smoking, and exercising, can help you avoid heart disease, but there are pre-existing conditions to be aware of as well. Your doctor can order tests if need be to eliminate any potential risks. It's also necessary to know the warning signs of a heart attack, so you know what to do if you or someone around you is experiencing symptoms!
Other healthy heart resources you might enjoy:
Go Red for Women Prevention ArticlesHealthy Snacks Ideas by Delish
PopSugar Fitness YouTube
We hope these tips for keeping your heart healthy give you the tools to live a healthier life, not just during American Heart Month, but throughout the year! Whether it's your goal to lose 10 pounds, or you just want to make 2018 your best year yet, the tips above can help you achieve that. To avoid some of the stress that can come with your regular routine, we recommend investing in a reliable vehicle. The team at RiverTown Honda is able to work with any budget. We've got a large selection of great used and Certified Pre-Owned vehicles, as well as awesome deals on new Honda leases - like the 2018 Honda Civic sedan for $149/mo. through the end of February! And, just like taking preventative action for your heart, take care of your car with routine maintenance and recommended or scheduled maintenance to keep it running well. We can help with that, too. Visit us in Grandville, just 12 minutes from downtown Grand Rapids, for the best dealership experience of your life!
Give RiverTown Honda a call at (877) 236-9113, or visit us at 4260 Kenowa Ave. Grandville, MI 49418, one mile west of RiverTown Mall.
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