Women's Life Link Be Well, Be Happy, Be YOU!
Many people think of heart disease as being primarily a male illness. Though this is statistically true, it still remains the primary cause of death among women in the US right now. So, it goes without saying that, as a woman, doing everything to look after your heart and lower your own personal risk of heart disease is something to pay attention to. It is strongly advised that you keep up with your health checks and discuss any concerns with a Medical Provider in New Jersey or wherever you are. In the meantime, here are a few solid ways to help prevent heart disease.
Give Up Smoking
Smoking is one of the biggest risk factors for heart disease in males and females. If you are a smoker, ending this destructive habit/addiction is not just a step but a leap toward greater wellness and over all health. I know it’s not easy to stop doing something that you are comforted by, but I know that it is worth every moment of temporary suffering to reach the other side. One thing that helped me is to imagine that I was a child version of myself. This allowed me to have empathy for myself and see that I was hurting my chances of truly caring for this child with every cigarette I smoked. Needless to say, I am no longer a smoker.
Eat a Healthful Diet
A diet that is high in vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, fish, and whole grains and low in saturated fats, junk food, and sugar is a foundation for keeping your heart healthy. Of course, everyone is different and will respond to variations of this. I recommend that you consult your health care provider for the best course of action for you. Do also know that sticking to a healthful foundational eating plan will also help you avoid other severe illnesses that could increase the risk for heart disease.
Take Good Care of Your Teeth
Many people do not realize that oral health and the health of the rest of your body are closely linked. In fact, periodontal disease can be a prerequisite to heart disease and other damaging conditions. Try not to let problems go unchecked by a dentist, and do your best to maintain proper oral health. Do what you must to help secure healthy gums and teeth, even if procedures like extractions or surgery are needed. Remember, you can always get dental implants to maintain oral health after tooth loss.
Exercise Regularly
Your heart is a muscle, and, like any other, it needs consistent exercise to stay in optimal working condition. Ideally, it is recommended that we get 150 minutes of moderate activity each week to keep the heart in the best possible health. This can be any exercise that works for your fitness level and fits into your lifestyle. Of course, this would be a specific type of exercise for those who are building endurance for sports or other goals.
Minimize N-SAID Use
Be careful about using N-SAIDs too much for pain and inflammation. Though this type of medication can help in some cases, overuse can create problems for circulation, blood vessels, and even the heart. It’s best to consult a doctor about the ongoing use of these drugs.
Additionally, many people think that taking aspirin each day is a good way to avoid a heart attack. For some people, this could be the case, but, for others, it could cause more harm than good. Again, talk to a doctor for accurate advice about your specific case. DON’T just start taking aspirin without a consultation.
Get Regular Health Checks
Prevention is better than cure, which is why it is so important that, once you are over 40, you book regular heart health checks to ensure that your heart is in good shape. It allows you to treat any problems as soon as they appear and before serious illness has set in.
**** This post is strictly informational and is not meant to replace the advice of your healthcare provider. Women’s lifelink, its owners, administrators, contributors, affiliates, vendors, authors, and editors do not claim that this information will diagnose, treat, or improve any condition or disease.
