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works for you night and day, 24/7, year a er year; but how o en
do you think about giving that heart of yours some TLC?
For something that, on average, beats 100,000 times a day to keep
you alive, it’s worth having a plan in mind. By making wise choices
and keeping your doctor in the loop, you can help protect yourself
against the No. 1 health threat to women and men: heart disease.
So open your heart to these ve ideas:
1.
Drop by your doctor’s of ce.
When was your last
blood pressure check? Are you due for a cholesterol screen-
ing? ese tests can help your doctor measure your risk of
heart disease, which rises with conditions such as high blood pres-
sure, high cholesterol or diabetes, among other things. So schedule a
checkup, and make it a routine.
2.
Fuel up for your heart.
A heart-healthy diet includes
eating plenty of fruits, veggies and whole grains and cutting
back on artery-clogging cholesterol and fat. Our team of
registered dietitians can help you analyze your eating habits and cre-
ate a nutrition plan just for you. Families are encouraged to partici-
pate. Call us at
208-883-6341
to schedule an appointment.
3.
Step away from the couch.
A sedentary lifestyle
boosts your risk for heart disease and some of the health
problems that contribute to it. Avoiding the computer or
TV a er work may help you nd the time you need for heart-healthy
workouts, such as 10-minute sessions of brisk walking or cycling.
4.
Watch your weight.
Oversized portions and high-calo-
rie foods are some of the culprits that contribute to excess
weight and raise your risk of heart disease.
5.
Commit to quit.
Yes, quitting smoking is di cult—
but you can do it. Gritman o ers free tobacco cessation
counseling. To get helpful advice on quitting, call us
at
208-883-6236
.
Sources: American Heart Association; National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
ways toprotect
your
heart
By making wise
choices, you can
help protect
yourself against
the No. 1 health
threat: heart
disease.