Despite great strides in diagnosing and treating heart disease, it remains the leading cause of death in the United States. According to John Larry, MD, director of cardiac rehabilitation at The Ohio State University Medical Center, lifestyle changes can make a substantial difference to your heart health.
“It’s like building a bank account – it’s never too early or late to start taking care of your heart, and the effort pays off with interest as we age,” Larry says.
Get Started:
- Schedule a physical. Your doctor will assess your cardiovascular health by checking your blood pressure, cholesterol and family history.
- Set a quit date. If you’re a smoker, take action and quit. Call Ohio State’s Tobacco Treatment Center at 1-866-504-0561. Research shows you’re more likely to quit if you have support.
- Increase physical activity. Larry suggests 30 minutes of daily aerobic activity.
- Eat healthfully. Increase your consumption of fruits, vegetables and fiber, while decreasing saturated and trans-fats.
- Eat fish at least twice a week. No other food source supplies as many heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids – salmon, tuna and other “meaty” fish are best.
Stay Motivated:
- Set attainable goals. Make small changes gradually instead of focusing on dramatic change. Small, tangible improvements encourage commitment.
- Get support. It’s easier to remain committed when you have the support of family, neighbors and friends to share the journey.
- Talk to your doctor. Keep your physicians informed of your successes and failures to help them tailor an individualized plan for your needs.
- Join in. Participate in wellness programs. Check out the OSU Center for Wellness and Prevention for more information about its services.
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