Four Heart Health Tips

1. Get your exercise: Regular, moderate exercise helps maintain the health of blood vessels; strengthens the heart muscle; and can help reduce cardiac risk factors such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, insulin resistance, and stress. Aim for 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity on most days of the week.
2. Schedule a test: If you have a family history of heart disease, schedule a screening test for high blood pressure this week. It is fast, simple, and important for optimal heart health.
3. Surround yourself with positive people: Start with our spiritual assessment, and create a list of people in your life who make you feel more alive, happy, and optimistic, then make an effort to spend more time with them now and in the future. Studies indicate that people who are upbeat and stay connected socially enjoy better health.
4. Don't smoke. Not only is smoking a major risk factor for heart disease, it has negative health consequences for your entire body, from your taste buds to your energy levels to your skin. Seek support and guidance when quitting. If you quit now, you'll reduce your risk of heart attack by one-third within just two years.

Information courtesy of Dr. Weil on Healthy Aging.