Did you know that heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States? In fact, both men and women have a 1 in 4 chance of dying from heart disease. That statistic may leave you feeling unsettled, but there is good news! There are a number of easy things you can do on a daily basis to help improve your odds.
An important first step is to talk with your doctor about your heart hearth. Use these tips from the American Heart Association to help you get the most from your visit.
Here are some other ways to get heart healthy:
Feed your heart something good
Sadly, your heart can’t live on love (or potato chips) alone. Keep it pumping properly with a balanced diet low in salt, sugar, and saturated fats, and high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Have you heard of the tiny, fiber-rich grain quinoa (keen-wah)? Along with leafy greens, fish, beans, and berries, it’s one of the heart-healthy foods you should add to your grocery list.
With a few good-for-you ingredients, you’ll be surprised at the many delicious ways to feed your heart something good for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Polish your pearly whites
You’ve heard your dentist say how important it is to floss and brush your teeth after meals. But did you know that having minty fresh breath may help lower your heart disease risk?
Research has shown that bacteria that cause gum disease may travel through the bloodstream, causing inflammation and damaging blood vessels, including those in our heart.
In addition to regular dental check-ups, polish your pearly whites at least twice a day to stop bacteria in their tracks.
Achieve well-being
Think you’re too busy to make your heart health a priority? Think again.
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Independence Blue Cross members have access to digital tools that help make it quick and convenient to achieve well-being goals. You can even sync them to your favorite devices so you can stay on track wherever you are.
Use these tools to make an action plan and stay motivated to get fit, eat right, sleep better, and manage stress — all the things that can help you get heart healthy for life!
This article was originally published on IBX Insights.
About Mary Eileen O’Connor
My personal philosophy about health and well-being is to have simple goals and stick with them — whether it’s drinking more water, working in a few extra steps each day, or just making time to unplug. When I’m not busy writing creative content for a variety of audiences, my favorite ways to unwind include enjoying local arts and culture, reading a good book, and watching TV cooking shows.