Protect Heart Health
1 Eat a diet rich in vegetables, legumes, lean meats, fish, whole grains, fresh fruits, low-fat dairy and healthy fats.
2 Engage in 30 to 60 minutes of physical activity daily.
3 Avoid or minimize consumption of alcohol. 4 Limit consumption of sodium, sugar, refined carbohydrates, processed foods, saturated fat and trans fat.
5 Avoid smoking, tobacco use and secondhand smoke.
6 7 Maintain a healthy weight with a BMI between 24.9 and 18.5.
Get at least seven hours of sleep each night, following a consistent sleep schedule.
8 Schedule regular health screenings to help control cholesterol, blood pressure and blood glucose levels.
9 Take steps to prevent infections, such as gum disease or vaccine preventable illnesses.
10 Manage stress in healthy ways, such as physical activity, relaxation exercises, mindfulness, yoga and meditation.
Sources: Mayo Clinic, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
