This post has been sponsored by St Joseph’s Low Dose Aspirin. All opinions are strictly my own.
After my husband was diagnosed with CHF (congestive heart failure) two years ago, I wanted to know what I could do for my heart health. One of my doctors had a few great tips for heart healthy activities that are possible by making a few simple changes.
- Exercise daily – because I sit at the computer writing when I’m not traveling, my exercise has been sporadic. He suggested that I get outside and walk for at least 20 minutes a day. This was an easy change and not only has it been good for my heart, but I’ve found it almost meditative stepping away from work for a break in the afternoon.
- Follow a heart healthy diet – My primary care physician had given me a copy of the DASH Eating Plan and with that, suggests that eating more whole grains, lean protein, and reducing the amount of sodium in my diet would be a very smart move.
- Stop smoking or don’t start – I laughed and said that I had no plans to start smoking. I’d given THAT up when I graduated high school in 1972, which was WAY before my doctor was born!
- Lose the excess weight – Well, that heart healthy diet he gave me should help with that.
And here is a tip from me: Heart Health is so important at ANY age
But, for those of us women of a “certain age” it’s even MORE important. Women suffer from heart disease at essentially the same rate as men. That’s why this February, I’m asking you to #putalittleloveinyourheart and adopt a heart healthy lifestyle.
The first step is to make an appointment with your doctor
Sit down with her/him and ask what you can do to maintain a heart healthy life. Your doctor will be able to reference your specific medical history to tell you what lifestyle changes with diet and exercise would work best for you and your health. Ask if taking an adult aspirin regimen using 81 mg aspirin, such as St. Joseph Low Dose Aspirin, is right for you if you’ve already had a prior heart attack or stroke. When taken under a doctor’s care, St. Joseph may help prevent a secondary heart attack or ischemic stroke for some individuals.
