Your heart health significantly impacts your longevity, independence, and overall quality of life. Heart disease is one of the leading causes of early death and diminished physical wellness among adults in the United States.
Don’t wait for a heart attack or stroke to make your heart health a priority—now is the time to take a closer look at your daily habits. Could small lifestyle changes in your diet and activity levels help lower your risk of diabetes, heart attack, or stroke?
This month, in honor of American Heart Month, the family medicine team at Living Water Clinic, led by Dr. Jerry Neria, shares six key habits for maintaining a healthy heart. We proudly serve the communities of Porterville, Lindsay, Visalia, and Woodlake, California.
Your heart is a muscle, and like any other muscle, it gets stronger with regular exercise. Staying active helps your heart pump oxygen-rich blood throughout your body more efficiently.
Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week—about 30 minutes a day, five days a week. Activities like walking, jogging, and swimming can significantly improve heart health.
Some foods put extra strain on your heart by negatively impacting your veins and arteries. Saturated fats, found in red meat, bacon, coconut oil, palm oil, and full-fat dairy, can contribute to plaque buildup in your arteries, increasing your risk of heart disease.
Try to limit these foods, and reduce your intake of added sugar and sodium (salt) to help maintain healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
A heart-healthy diet isn’t just about avoiding harmful foods—it’s about incorporating foods that actively support heart health, such as:
Balancing your diet with these nutrient-rich options can help protect your heart for years to come.
Excessive alcohol consumption can increase blood pressure and heart disease risk. While you don’t need to give up alcohol entirely, moderation is key.
For heart health:
Smoking is one of the most harmful habits for heart health. It damages blood vessels, raises blood pressure, and increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.
If you’re a smoker, consider making this the year you quit. You’ll improve your heart health and also protect your loved ones from the dangers of secondhand smoke.
Routine checkups with your Living Water Clinic provider are essential for monitoring your heart health. Annual wellness visits help identify risk factors early and guide you in making necessary lifestyle changes.
Important heart health screenings include:
Did you know?
To learn more about your heart disease risk and steps to improve your heart health, contact your nearest Living Water Clinic location:
