Basic rules for taking care of your heart health
- Advertising Marketing
- Apr 25
- 2 min read
Hands showing a cardiogram in the shape of a heart
Your home, smoke-free. Tobacco causes one-fifth of cardiovascular disease worldwide. If you haven't quit yet, at least don't smoke at home, so as not to harm the rest of your family with secondhand smoke.
Bet on homemade food. Prepare it whenever you can and take it to work. This way you can ensure it's made with fresh ingredients and cooked properly. Every meal should include at least two or three servings of vegetables.
Television, less than two hours a day. It's much better to organize outdoor activities for your family to enjoy.
Get a medical check-up. Knowing your blood pressure, cholesterol, and sugar levels, as well as your waist circumference and body mass index (BMI), will help you more accurately understand your risk of cardiovascular disease and, with the help of your doctor, will allow you to develop a specific action plan.
If your job is sedentary, take short breaks to stretch your legs. Standing for a few minutes is associated with a smaller waist circumference and improved cholesterol, triglyceride, and blood sugar levels.
Brush your teeth at least twice a day. Did you know that people who don't do this increase their cardiovascular risk by 70%? The mouth is the gateway for bacteria that can end up inflaming the gums if oral hygiene isn't adequate. This inflammation is closely linked to arteriosclerosis.
Wine is good as long as you don't drink more than two glasses a day.
Don't skip breakfast. Leaving home on an empty stomach contributes to higher cholesterol levels. Make sure your first meal of the day is complete and includes at least one piece of fruit.
Choose a Mediterranean diet and limit your consumption of processed foods. Olive oil protects the health of the arteries, while overindulging in junk food is associated with an increased risk of heart disease and diabetes.
Source: World Heart Association