Keep Your Heart Healthy!
February is American Heart Month. Although you should be concerned with heart health every month of the year, this month you should go the extra mile. Heart disease is still our nation’s number one killer and costs Americans billions of dollars each year.
Over the past few years, rates of heart disease have been steadily dropping as a result of improved detection and treatment of high blood pressure and high cholesterol, as well as smoking-prevention efforts. These improvements are in large part due to tremendous efforts of the American Heart Association, the CDC and other organizations to improve the prevention and treatment of heart disease.
Your grandfather, mother, and uncle may have all had heart disease, but even with a strongly inherited predisposition to the condition, you can cut your risks dramatically by pursuing a heart healthy lifestyle — and it’s easier than you think. What you eat, how much exercise you get, and paying attention to your overall health have a lot to do with heart health; and incorporating a few heart healthy tips into your daily activities can keep your heart in tip top shape.
- Don’t smoke or use tobacco – just don’t do it!
- 30 minutes of moderate exercise at least five days a week
- Eat a heart healthy diet, high in vegetables, fruits, whole grains and fiber and low in saturated fats and sodium.
- Maintain a healthy weight (BMI at 25 or lower)
- Get regular health screenings
OK, you are probably aware that diet and exercise are key factors in preventing heart disease. However, you may not know that chiropractic care may also help keep your heart healthy! Research has shown that chiropractic adjustments to the upper neck can actually lower your blood pressure for an extended period of time. Other studies have shown that adjustments of the bones in the neck and lower back can stimulate particular nervous system reflexes, causing a decrease in overall heart rate and blood pressure!
A visit to a chiropractor can relieve stress, help your heart, and provide you with the support and guidance you need to change and apply new healthy lifestyles. This February, make a pledge to have your glass of red wine, a piece of dark chocolate, do some exercise, and call and make your chiropractic appointment! Chiropractic care combined with positive lifestyle changes, proper nutrition, and exercise can prove to be your best ally in the fight against heart disease!
