6 ways to show your heart some love
Today is Valentine's Day — a day we give heart-shaped cards and boxes of chocolates.
But while we're pretty good at showing our love to others on Valentine's, shouldn't we be as good to ourselves?
But while we're pretty good at showing our love to others on Valentine's, shouldn't we be as good to ourselves?
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• Quit smoking: Smoking (including second-hand smoke) is one of the top three risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
• Get moving: About one in every three U.S. adults does not engage in leisure time physical activity.
• Eat better: A heart-healthy diet focuses on high-fiber foods (such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains and nuts) and cutting out high-calorie, no-nutrient foods and beverages. This diet also calls for eating fish such as salmon, trout and mackerel at least twice a week, because they are high in omega-3 fatty acids, and choosing fat-free or low-fat dairy products.
• Cut back on sodium: You should aim to consume no more than 1,500 milligrams a day. The average American consumes 3,400 milligrams a day, mostly from processed foods and restaurant dishes.
• Drink alcohol in moderation: One drink per day for women; two drinks per day for men.
• Maintain a healthy weight: By keeping your weight in a healthy range, blood circulates better, fluid levels are more easily managed and you're less likely to develop diabetes, heart disease, some cancers and sleep apnea. Those who are obese are at much higher risk of having a heart attack.
jsheehan@mcall.com
610-820-6628
HEART DISEASE FACTS
• Heart disease is the No. 1 cause of death in Pennsylvania
• 64.5 percent of Pennsylvanians are considered overweight or obese
• 21 percent of adults in Pennsylvania are smokers
— Source: The American Heart Association
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