February 2, 2017
February is American Heart Month
February is American Heart Month.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Every year, 1 in 4 deaths are caused by heart disease. Fortunately, we can often prevent this chronic illness by making healthier choices along with managing our health conditions. The MANNA meal program helps to ensure that each client we serve follows the American Heart Association’s daily recommendations for preventing heart disease by using it as a guide when creating our six week cycle menu. Eating heart-healthy foods and incorporating physical activity into your daily routine can help control and reduce your risk of developing heart disease, high blood pressure, and other heart-related illnesses.
Here are a few simple, easy tips your heart (and body) will love you for!
- Physical activity is key to a healthy heart. The American Heart Association suggests exercising at least 30 minutes a day, five times a week. Physical activity includes walking, swimming, biking, and many more.
- Make it fun! Choose activities that you will enjoy. Try to change up your routine weekly, that way it will never seem boring.
- Invite family and friends to join you. You are more likely to stick with an exercise routine if you have company.
- Decrease the amount of sodium in your diet by being conscious of how much added salt you are putting in your food, processed foods, and canned items.
- Instead of adding salt to your food, try adding healthy spices such as rosemary, thyme, curry, or coriander.
- Reduce the amount of fat in your diet by choosing lean meats and healthy fats (i.e. olive oil, avocados, nuts, fish, etc.)
- Try to quit smoking. Quitting smoking is an important component in helping to reduce your risk for heart disease.
For more information, visit www.heart.org/
