Did you know that your heart beats over 100,000 times per day? And it pumps blood through a perfectly built network of vessels that extend in length about 60,000 miles. It goes without saying that your heart works hard for you every day.
Your heart needs your support to function properly. No matter what is your age. Whether you’re in your 20s or your 70s, it’s never too early or too late to make heart health a priority. New York Health Care is committed to providing the support you need to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Guided by care plans developed by certified registered nurses (RNs), our personal care aides are prepared to assist you in taking meaningful steps toward better health each day.
Here are 5 simple but powerful tips from the NYHC team to help you take care of your heart and live a longer, healthier life:
- Move More, Sit Less
The most common way to boost your heart’s health is physical activity. Don’t worry. You don’t need to train for a marathon. Just 30 minutes of brisk walking, dancing, swimming, or cycling five days a week can make a major difference. If you’re working from home or sitting a lot, try standing up and stretching every hour.
Tip: Set a reminder on your phone or smartwatch to take short movement breaks throughout the day.
- Eat with Your Heart in Mind
What you put on your plate matters. Focus on a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein (like fish and legumes), and healthy fats (like olive oil and avocado). Avoid processed foods, added sugars, and salty snacks as much as you can. Those types of food raise your blood pressure and hurt your heart.
Tip: Look for the “Heart-Check” mark from the American Heart Association when shopping. It helps you identify heart-smart choices immediately.
- Manage Stress Effectively
Another common agitator is chronic stress. It can lead to high blood pressure and increase your risk of heart disease. Whether it’s deep breathing, yoga, mindfulness, or just spending time with loved ones, you need to find ways to manage stress. By doing those simple actions, you have in your hand the key to a happy heart.
NYHC Tip: As little as five minutes of calm breathing or quiet time each day can reset your nervous system and protect your heart.
- Know Your Numbers
Knowledge is power. This is true, especially when it comes to your health. Keep track of important numbers like blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and body mass index (BMI). These numbers can help you and your doctor catch any early signs of heart trouble.
NYHC Tip: Schedule an annual wellness check-up and bring a list of questions or concerns. Staying informed is the first step to staying healthy.
- Don’t Skip the Zzz’s
Sleep is so often underrated, but it plays a crucial role in heart health. Poor sleep has been linked to high blood pressure, obesity, and heart disease. Aim for 7–9 hours of quality sleep each night. For more information regarding how sleep impacts our overall health, you can read our previous blog. The Crucial Role of Sleep in Our Overall Health
NYHC Tip: Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet. Try going to bed and waking up at the same time each day. Don’t slack even on weekends. It helps to keep your body in the shape you want.
Conclusion
Heart disease is still the leading cause of death in the U.S. However, the good news is that it’s largely preventable. Small, consistent choices can make a big impact. At New York Health Care, we’re here to support you every step of the way, because your health is our heart’s mission.
Need personalized help for yourself or a loved one? NYHC offers compassionate, expert home health care services designed to keep your family safe, supported, and thriving, right in the comfort of their own home. Contact us in the number 855-446-3300 if you have questions regarding this matter.