New Delhi, January 6-Your heart is, well, yours and while we think.of the heart as an emotional being, thanks to the popular culture, it is a also the central organ of your body which pumps the blood in your body day in and day out. While just listen to the heartbeat and write songs on it, your unhealthy habit makes it difficult for your heart to maintain that rhythm of life.
Hence, we must give our hearts their due and take great care of that heartbeat. After all, they are fulfilling their responsibilities without taking a day off.
Healthwire brings you 10 easy tips for a healthy heart by Dr. H. K. Chopra, Renowned Cardiologist at Moolchand Hospital.
Healthy food intake– Eat at least 5 servings of fruit and vegetables a day and avoid saturated fat. Beware of processed foods, which often contain high levels of salt.
Get active-Take heart friendly exercise such as walking, wogging, jogging, swimming, dancing, cycling, tredmilling – Even 30 minutes of activity can help to prevent heart attacks and strokes and your work will benefit too.
Say no to tobacco – Your risk of coronary heart disease will be halved within a year and will return to a normal level over time.
Maintain a healthy weight – Weight loss, especially together with lower edible salt intake, leads to lower blood pressure. High blood pressure is the number one risk factor for stroke and a major factor for approximately half of all heart disease and stroke.
Know your numbers – Visit a healthcare professional who can measure your blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose levels, together with waist-to-hip ratio and body mass index (BMI). Once you know your overall risk, you can develop a specific plan of action to improve your heart health.
Limit your alcohol intake-Restrict the amount of alcoholic drinks that you consume. Excessive alcohol intake can cause your blood pressure to rise and your weight to increase.
Insist on a smoke-free environment – Demand a tobacco ban – ensure your workplace is 100% smoke-free
Support the adoption of smoking – cessation services encourage your employer to provide help to those wanting to quit tobacco.
Bring exercise to the workplace -Include physical activity in your working schedule – cycle to work if this is possible, take the stairs, exercise or go for a walk during your lunch breaks, and encourage others to do so too.
Choose healthy food options – Ask for healthy food at your work canteen, or find nearby cafes or restaurants that serve healthy meals.
Fight Your Stress – Encourage stress-free moments by practicing yoga and meditation on regular basis. Take time for lunch away from your workplace to get some fresh air. Have regular breaks during the day. Try stretching or exercising for 5 minutes twice a day
