Happy American Heart Month! Each February, the nation celebrates heart month to raise awareness of heart disease, and motivate Americans to adopt healthy lifestyles. As a heart attack survivor, this month is near and dear to me.
I invite you to join me in a 14-day Heart Health Challenge February 11 to 24. This challenge is full of activities to help you protect your heart. Just by signing up, you'll be entered to win some great prizes. Learn more and sign up by visiting the challenge webpage, complete the sign up form, then download the calendar of activities. Get started on February 11 by writing down your intention for the challenge and scheduling your free coaching call with me.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. But, you can protect your heart. Here are five tips to protect your heart health:
Know your numbers and your risk factors. Ask your doctor to check your blood pressure and cholesterol, and to tell you the actual numbers. Find out your family history of heart disease, and understand other risk factors such as age, race, previous stroke or heart attack, smoking, lack of regular activity, diabetes, or obesity.
Get enough sleep. Be sure to get at least seven to nine hours of sleep per night for optimal health. This gives your body the time it needs to recover, so that you're ready to tackle a new day.
Manage stress. Stressors cannot be completely eliminated, but what you can do is better manage stress with techniques such as taking a few slow, deep breaths until you feel your body un-clench, walking away from the situation (if you can) and handle it later, breaking big problems down into smaller parts that you can tackle one at a time, or doing something that makes you feel good.
Move more. Instead of forcing yourself to do something you don’t enjoy, find ways to exercise that fit your personality. Spread your activity throughout the week. Walk the dog, practice yoga for 30 minutes, stand up and do some basic strength exercises, like desk push-ups, wall sits, or calf raises, when you need a break from your desk.
Eat more plants. Fruits and vegetables provide many beneficial nutrients, are free of saturated fat, low in calories, and provide fiber to help you manage your weight. Whether fresh, frozen, or dried, they can be the most convenient and affordable foods you can eat! Eating plants can lower your risk of many serious and chronic health conditions.
I hope you'll join me for the 14-day Heart Health Challenge.