Member Appreciation Day is Feb 14
As Valentine’s Day approaches (and YMCA of the Suncoast Member Appreciation Day), thoughts of loved ones fill our hearts. That’s why it’s the perfect time to remind ourselves of how to take care of those hearts. Learning ways to improve heart health for yourself or your loved ones will help to ensure that you have many more Valentine’s Days to celebrate together. These six tips can get you on your way to a happy, healthy heart.
Be sure to stop by your YMCA next Wednesday for Member Appreciation Day! Talk to our wellness team about these six tips can get you on your way to a happy, healthy heart.
Get Your ZZZ’s: It’s no secret that a sleep deficit can make you cranky, but research also shows that if you don’t get enough quality hours of sleep each night, you increase your risk for heart attack and stroke. Aim for seven to eight hours of shut-eye to ward off potential health problems and to keep smiling throughout the day.
Get Up: Many of us have jobs that chain us to computers and desks for hours on end, which is just downright unhealthy. So, make an effort to get up and move during the day. Then, after work, find a physical activity such as walking, cycling, or exercising at the gym to keep you fit.
The Right Fats and Foods: Fats have gotten a bad wrap in the past, when in fact, there are healthy fats such as avocados, nuts, salmon, olive oil, etc. that may improve heart health. Eat good fats and ensure that your diet includes lots of fruits and veggies, which research shows can help people avoid heart and other health problems such as diabetes.
Brush and Floss: It’s not just about good teeth and gum health anymore; poor oral health has been linked to heart problems. How? Researchers believe that the same bacteria that breed gum disease may also travel in the bloodstream, causing other health concerns. Simply brushing and flossing daily can help to avert these issues.
Watch Your Weight: Being overweight has been associated with many chronic health concerns including heart problems. Take charge of your heart health and ask your doctor about a heart smart diet and exercise plan to help you lose weight and keep it off.
Stress Less: Life is rarely simple, and a trip to the doctor to have your blood pressure checked could clue you in to the fact that you’re stressing too much. If you find the blood pressure cuff bulging and the numbers skyrocketing, it’s time for an intervention. Try some meditation or yoga as well as aerobic exercise such as brisk walking to take the edge off.
