Did you know that heart disease is the leading cause of death among both men and women in the United States? No one is immune to the effects of the disease, which is why staying heart-healthy is so important. That’s why our team at AFC Urgent Care TN wants to share some tips on boosting your heart health!
Take Care of Your Heart
With February designated as American Heart Month, now is as good a time as any to start building healthy habits that you can maintain throughout your life.
There are many key factors that play a role in your overall heart health, including managing your blood pressure levels, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising most days of the week, watching your blood sugar levels and eating a balanced diet low in sugar and sodium.
But with the hustle and bustle of everyday life, you might wonder how you can fit in time to manage all the above. Fortunately, you can! It just takes some hard work and dedication, which your heart will thank you for every day of your life.
For example, do you think you are too busy to fit in the recommended 30 minutes of physical activityevery day? Think again, because you can.
Exercising for 30 minutes a day doesn’t mean you have to run for a straight 30 minutes each day. For starters, pick an activity you enjoy doing. Perhaps you like yoga, Zumba or pilates. Take a look at your local gyms or community center to see what classes are available or check out free classes online! The online option even gives you the ability to work out during the time of day that works best for your schedule.
If you can’t exercise for 30 minutes straight, then try to split it up. Two 15-minute walks work just as well as a 30-minute workout.
And think outside the box when it comes to physical activity. For example, did you know that, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, gardening is considered “moderate cardiovascular exercise”? In fact, gardening about 30 minutes a day can burn between 150 to 300 calories! And, while it may not be time to garden just yet, you can certainly go ahead and get ready for gardening season. In fact, you can start by attending the Dogwood Arts House & Garden Show,, which will be celebrating its 40th anniversary from Feb. 16–18.
Healthy eating is also something you can make a part of your everyday life. Each weekend, plan out what you’ll eat for at least some meals during the week. It’s especially important to make sure you have a healthy breakfast to start off the day, so you may want to even prepare your breakfasts for the week ahead of time. What about cooking up a batch of mini omelets to grab and eat on the go? Simply mix egg, veggies and a lean protein together and drop them into a muffin tin. Cook until the top of the egg starts to slightly brown. You can simply reheat on busy work mornings!
Do you know your heart health numbers? Visit AFC Urgent Care Knoxville today for a routine physical examination to ensure your numbers add up to a healthy heart!