Heart Disease Healthy Habits

Lawndale News Chicago's Bilingual Newspaper - Education

You want to make better food choices in favor of lean protein, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. It’s going to take some time to make the shift. There are apps for most smartphones or tablets to help you. Some can scan items in the grocery store for information, and others can give the nutrition breakdown for the food you eat during the day. Browse your app store to find the right ones for you.

Make Time to Exercise
Work in a workout to reap the benefits of some physical activity. You don’t have to go to the gym to exercise, and you don’t have to commit to long, hard sessions. You can break your training into smaller sets. You can even slip in some exercise at work. Need to make a 10-minute phone call? Put on your headset and walk while you talk.

Mind Your Mood
When you have a serious condition, it is natural to get discouraged, but get help if depression sets in. It’s important to stay active and eat right, and that can be hard to do when you’re down. So be aware of when your spirits get too low. Recognize the signs and talk to your doctor. Treatment may include exercise, talking with a therapist, and, for some people, medication.

Turn Down Your Snore Volume
Does your partner complain you’re a noisy sleeper? You may have sleep apnea, which is strongly linked to heart disease. Pay attention to your body and know when you don’t get enough sleep. Talk to your doctor. You may need to spend a night in a sleep lab to get a better idea of what keeps you up.

Keep Calm and Relax
Make it a priority to de-stress and avoid anxiety. Find ways that work for you, whether its meditation or prayer, exercise, or a hobby you love. You can also ask your doctor about stress management classes or support groups for people with heart disease.

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