When it comes to our health, there are a lot of things we can do to keep ourselves in good shape. But when it comes to our cardiovascular health, there are five habits that are especially important.
1. Quit smoking. Smoking is one of the biggest risk factors for heart disease, and it can also lead to other health problems like lung cancer and emphysema. If you smoke, quitting is one of the most important things you can do for your health.
2. Eat a healthy diet. Eating a healthy diet is important for your overall health, and it’s especially important for your cardiovascular health. Make sure you include plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your diet, and avoid unhealthy foods like processed meats and sugary drinks.
3. Exercise regularly. Exercise is another important habit for maintaining a healthy heart. Exercise helps keep your heart healthy by reducing your risk of heart disease and improving your overall cardiovascular health.
4. Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese is a major risk factor for heart disease. Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the most important things you can do to protect your heart.
5. Get regular checkups. It’s important to get regular checkups from your doctor, especially if you have a family history of heart disease. Your doctor can help you track your heart health and identify any potential problems early.
Heart disease is currently one of the leading causes of death in Canada, second only to cancer. Approximately 2.6Footnote1 million Canadian adults aged 20 and older live with ischemic heart disease (IHD), the most common type of heart disease.
February marks Heart Month and provides us with an opportunity to focus on the efforts we can make to improve our heart health. Although rates of heart disease in Canada have been declining, largely due to advances in research, drug therapies and prevention efforts, there are many risk factors that still contribute to heart disease. Lifestyle changes, small and big, can help reduce your risk.
