Heart disease and stroke is a real killer. It’s crucial for us to take action to break bad health habits because up to 80 per cent of early heart disease and stroke can be prevented by adopting healthy behaviours including eating a healthy diet and exercising.
Here are some heart healthy tips to start implementing now:
Improve your diet
Healthy eating starts at home, so your kitchen is the perfect place to make positive changes. Go through your refrigerator and pantry and purge foods that are high in sodium or sugar, and are highly processed – that means it’s time to part with your sugary cereals, sodas and candy. Replace those empty calories with whole grain cereals, fruits, veggies, seeds and nuts to help lower your risk of heart disease.
Get moving
Regular exercise is crucial for maintaining a healthy heart, but simple changes to your everyday routine like walking a few blocks instead of driving or opting to take the stairs instead of the elevator can help to burn calories and keep you fit.
Use heart healthy apps
There are several smartphone apps available that can help you get on the road to better cardiovascular health. Visit the Canadian Heart Association website or conduct a search on your smartphone to see what heart app options would work best for you.
