5 Simple Ways to Love Your Heart
It's not hard to reduce your risk. Start learning to protect your heart today by taking small (yet very significant) actions like these, as recommended by the American Heart Association:
Celebrate with a checkup
Let each birthday remind you that it's time for your yearly physical and a talk with your doctor about how you can reduce your risk for heart disease.
Get off the couch
Work up to at least 30 minutes of physical activity most days of the week. Step, march, jog in place—you can even do it while watching TV.
Quit smoking in four steps
Can't go "cold turkey"? Cut the number of cigarettes you smoke each day in half; then cut that number in half; cut it in half again; finally, cut down to zero!
Drop a pound or two
By cutting out 500 to 1,000 calories a day you can lose up to two pounds per week, and gradually bring yourself closer to a heart-healthy weight.
Become a salt detective
Check out the Nutrition Facts panel on packaged foods to see how much sodium (salt) they contain. Aim for a total intake of no more than 2,300 milligrams (about a teaspoon of salt) per day.
Want to learn more about taking better care of your heart?
Visit the American Heart Association website.