Getting Heart Healthy? | Knoxville, TN Walk In Clinic

Your heart is your body’s powerhouse and keeping it in shape can prevent a host of serious health issues, including the leading cause of death among Americans – Heart Disease.

Here are a few steps we suggest to improve your heart health.

Exercise For A Healthy Heart

Your heart is a powerful muscle, and just like any other muscle in your body, it can be strengthened by a routine of regular

exercise.  As you exercise, your heart muscle builds strength while pumping blood and oxygen throughout your entire body.

If you aren’t already exercising, start with a manageable amount of exercise of some type for 20 to 30 minutes for as many days during the week as you can.  An almost-daily exercise routine that gets your heart rate elevated and blood pumping is key for good health.

Luckily, there are an amazing variety of outdoor venues for exercise, all across the Knoxville area.  With more than 90 area parks, you can find a great place to experience the outdoors.  Whether you are downtown near World’s Fair Park or out in the countryside near Adair park, trails, rivers and open spaces abound for an unlimited exercise options.

In addition to all of our spaces, we have dozens of local gyms and YMCA locations all across the Knoxville area.  Or you may choose to work out right at your home.  You don’t even need expensive equipment to get in a good work out.  You can do everything from Gardening and yard work to setting up a home gym.  The exercise options are limitless!

Diet Is a Key Factor for Heart Health

Most Americans indulge in a diet that is rich in sugar, fat, carbohydrates and sodium.  Over time a diet like this can have a very adverse effect on overall health including heart health.  Studies show that heart disease is the number one cause of death in the United States, and a high fat diet is often the leading factor.

Choosing a well-rounded diet with vegetables (especially leafy greens) and fruits, whole grains, lean proteins like turkey, and hearth healthy fats like those found in fish is a key factor to a healthy body and heart. There are a number of farmer’s markets and fresh produce stands throughout the Knoxville area, which makes it easy and convenient to get your favorite fruits and vegetables, or to try something new.

Along with healthy food choices, make sure you are getting plenty of water daily.  Hydration is a key component of a healthy diet.  Keep plenty of cold water on hand with you throughout the day to stay hydrated.

Quit Smoking for Heart Health

If you have a smoking (or any tobacco) habit, quitting is one of the best things you can do for overall health.  Smoking affects almost every area of your body, from your lungs to taste and smell, but it can be especially harmful to your heart.

The good news is that the benefits of quitting smoking are numerous and your risk for disease lowers the longer up go without tobacco products. If you are a smoker and stop, in just one year’s time you cut your risk of heart disease in half.  If you need help or have questions about quitting smoking you can call 1 (800) QUITNOW or stop by AFC Urgent Care  on Kingston Pike today.

The Importance of Sleep

With jobs, families and other commitments we stay busy.  Often we get up too early and go to bed too late. Most people do not get the suggested seven to nine hours of sleep and this takes a toll on the entire body, including the heart.

Getting a proper amount of quality sleep each night helps the body function properly and leads to positive mental health and heart health.

Let AFC Urgent Care of Knoxville answer any question you may have about your heart Health.  Contact us today.