Health & Diet

When it comes to a heart-healthy lifestyle, almost everyone has room for improvement.

Making healthy choices makes a healthy life, and these tips will help you achieve your goals.

Some people could lower their blood pressure; others could quit smoking, take off a few pounds or get some exercise.

What's your plan for a healthy lifestyle?

If you can't handle all of these changes at once, then pick the ones you can do to begin with, and then gradually add the others.

For a Heart-Healthy Diet:

• Limit the amount of red meat you eat each week.
• Eat skinless poultry and fish
• Avoid saturated fats.
• Eat more steamed, baked, broiled or stewed dishes, and fewer that are fried, breaded, creamed or heavily sauced.
• Eat more grains, fruits and vegetables.
• Know your target weight.
• Know your target cholesterol level.

To Keep Your Heart Strong with Exercise:

• Begin an exercise program that's at least 20 minutes long, three or more times a week.
• Include aerobic exercise such as running, swimming, bicycling and walking.
• Work with your doctor to tailor the program to your needs.

To Reduce Your Blood Pressure:

• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Exercise regularly.
• Cut back on salt. Check your blood pressure regularly.
• Take blood pressure medication if necessary.
• Know your target blood pressure.

To Cut Back on Stress:

• Learn stress management techniques. 
• Avoid stressful situations.

To Reduce the Heart Disease Risks of Smoking:

• Join a stop-smoking class.
• Join a support group for "Quitters."
• Get help from your doctor to quit.
• Develop a plan to quit smoking (include a target date).

Until next time, keep healthy!