The Best Health Habits to Develop
As a health and wellness coach, I help women live healthy and fulfilling lives. If I could flip a switch to make all women establish good habits around one health issue, I would choose heart health.
Heart health is an easy pick for two reasons. First, heart-healthy habits are proven to impact longevity and quality of life. Second, too many women ignore their heart health until an issue rears its ugly head and scares them into a lifestyle change.
According to the American Heart Association, 90% of women will have at least one risk factor for heart disease in their lifetime. Even more eye-opening? 80% of cardiovascular diseases are preventable. Ladies, it is time to pay attention!
Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) is the term used to describe disorders of the heart and blood vessels. These disorders include heart and blood vessel disease, heart attack, heart failure, heart valve disease, arrhythmia, and stroke. As you can see, establishing good habits to prevent CVD can keep some scary monsters at bay.
The earlier you implement preventive measures, the better. But it is never too late! The changes you make now to live a heart-healthy lifestyle will impact your remaining years.
Ready to get started? Here are recommended habits to live a heart-healthy lifestyle:
Eat healthy- foods low in salt, sugar, saturated & trans fats, and high in unsaturated fats (like fish & avocado) are best.
Move- aim for 150 minutes per week of moderate exercise or 75 minutes per week of vigorous exercise. Do what you enjoy!
Maintain a healthy Body Mass Index (BMI)- the previous two bullet points help you do this! Partner with your doctor to determine the right range for you.
Sit less- less than 4 hours per day is the target.
Keep stress levels in check.
Get enough sleep- adults need between 7 and 9 hours per night.
Stop smoking and do not use recreational drugs.
Drink alcohol in moderation- no more than 1 per day.
See your doctor annually- know and review your risk factors for heart disease.
Know the signs of a heart attack and stroke.
Learn CPR.
Encourage your daughters, sisters, girlfriends, and granddaughters to live heart-healthy along with you.
Don't try to implement too many changes at once. Pick one or two to work on for a month or so to build your heart-healthy foundation. When you feel comfortable and confident, then layer in another. Remember, this is a lifestyle change, so it will take time!
Want one-time advice, accountability, or a pep-talk from a positive professional? Take advantage of my Wellness Hours!
I set aside time on Wednesdays and Thursdays to chat with you one-on-one about your wellness challenges and concerns. Click the button below to schedule a time that works for you.
