February is Heart Health Month: Ways to Stay Healthy

February is Heart Health Month and as the month is coming to a close, we wanted to take a moment and tell you some ways to do your heart good.  Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women.  Every year, 1 in 4 deaths are caused by heart disease. While that is a scary statistic, the theme that comes up again and again is that small changes can make a big difference when it comes to heart health.  The CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) suggests:

• Schedule a visit with your doctor to talk about heart health. It’s important to schedule regular doctor’s appointments.  Be proactive with your health, instead of just going when you are sick.
• Add exercise to your daily routine.  Start with small changes.  Take a walk around the neighborhood 3 times a week.  Slowly increase the amount until you are at least walking 30 minutes a day 3 times a week.
• Increase healthy eating. Eat more meals at home.  It is hard to choose healthy meals when you are eating at a restaurant because you have no control over how it is being prepared.  Also, try a new twist on your favorite meals.  For example, swap out salt for fresh or dried herbs and spices.
• Take steps to quit smoking. Quitting smoking can cut your risk for heart disease and stroke.  Please visit the CDC’s Smoking and Tobacco Use website to learn more.
• Take medication as prescribed.  First, it is important to talk to your doctor about being on high blood pressure and cholesterol medications, if needed.  Also, if you are having side effects, please discuss those with your doctor.

For more information and to try out some interactive heart health calculators, please link to Insure Info Blog: http://www.insureinfoblog.com/2016/02/do-your-heart-good-try-these-heart-health-calculators/