Heart health matters, no matter your age or current state of fitness. That’s why Santiam Hospital emphasizes the importance of good habits, which can benefit your heart a great deal. As a highly respected primary care clinic in the Mid-Willamette Valley, OR, this team supports locals on their journey towards wellness. Here, they provide three tips to help you get started on the path to a healthy lifestyle.

A Local Primary Care Clinic Offers 3 Heart-Healthy Tips

1. Stop Smoking (or Don’t Start)

According to the American Heart Association, smoking cigarettes increases your risk of developing coronary heart disease. This is especially true when cigarettes are combined with other risk factors, such as obesity and being physically inactive. Quitting smoking offers immediate benefits and will greatly impact your overall health in addition to your heart.

2. Maintain a Healthy Diet

Eating right will keep your weight at a healthy level and also allow you to partake in more rigorous physical activity. There are even certain foods that improve heart health, including tuna, whole grains, nuts (which provide healthy fats), and fruits and vegetables rich with antioxidants.

3. Get Plenty of Exercise

Healthy adults should engage in moderate aerobic activity for at least 150 minutes per week. This can include running, swimming, or even vigorous walking five times a week for 30 minutes each session. Strength training is also important, and all your major muscle groups should be worked out at least twice a week. If your health is compromised in any way, check in with your primary care clinic first to find out how much exercise is right for you.

In addition to helping patients maintain a healthy heart, Santiam Hospital also offers a number of essential health services, including diagnostic imaging and preventative care. Residents of the Mid-Willamette Valley area can call (503) 769-2175 to schedule an appointment. You can also visit the website for a complete listing of the available health services at this primary care clinic.