7 Tips for Heart Health

Video by Jonathan Parrish

Show your heart some love —because a healthy heart means a healthier YOU! Heart disease is the leading cause of death in men and women in the United States. But the good news is that, in many cases, heart disease can be prevented. 

Start by practicing more self-care! That means:

• Moving more! Participate in at least 150 minutes of activity each week. That’s just 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week.
• Adding muscle-strengthening exercises.
• Taking the stairs instead of the elevator or walking around the block with family or friends is a great start. Every small step you take makes a BIG difference for your heart!

Show your heart more love by:

• Eating healthier. Add more fruits and vegetables to your meals. Read the Nutrition Facts label to reduce sodium and eat leaner cuts of meat. Did you know that eating enough fiber is a way to help decrease your risk of heart disease? Our bean-based recipes can help!
•  Managing stress.
• Getting enough quality sleep. Lack of quality sleep can increase your risk of many conditions, including heart disease. Aim for 7 to 9 hours of sleep nightly. Take this sleep assessment on SleepFoundation.org to learn more about your sleep habits.
• Quitting smoking or vaping. Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your heart. Get the support you need by talking to your doctor, leaning on loved ones, using free resources like 1-800-QUIT-NOW and smokefree.gov, or checking with the Mississippi State Department of Health.

Your heart works hard for you! Show it some love. You can also check out the American Heart Association for more resources on heart health.

For more helpful tips like these, please read my blog at extension.msstate.edu. You can also connect with us by joining the MSU Extension Nutrition and Wellness Facebook group.