Along with paying regular visits to a trusted health center, there are a few things you can do on your own to preserve the health of your heart. Being physically active, eating right, and working to decrease stress are all critical components of maintaining optimum health and wellness no matter your age. These heart-healthy tips can help you create a better lifestyle right now.

3 Ways to Ensure Your Heart Remains Healthy

1. Make Healthy Fats a Part of Your Diet

Fat is an essential part of a healthy diet, provided you’re getting the right kind of fat. Certain types of fat, known as trans-fat, actually increase your risk of developing heart disease. Conversely, good fats help to lower bad cholesterol and raise the good, which increases blood flow through your heart and lungs. If you have questions about the types of fat you should be eating, visit your local health center for more information.

2. Stay Active

Sitting all day increases your risk of dying from heart disease as well as other illnesses. In this case, do as much as you can to reduce the amount of time you spend sitting. At work, try to get up and stretch at least once an hour. If you drive to the office, park farther away so you have a longer distance to walk. On the days you have off, make physical activity a priority.

3. Stop Smoking & Avoid Second-Hand Smoke

Smoking is a bad habit that can have multiple effects on your body. Regarding your heart, smoking increases the buildup of plaque in the arteries, can cause abnormal heart rhythms, and raise bad cholesterol. Even exposure to secondhand smoke is bad for your heart and lung health. People exposed to secondhand smoke have a 25 to 30% higher chance of developing heart disease.

In Wolcott, CT, Wolcott View Manor Health & Rehabilitation Center offers first-rate health care in a kind and nourishing environment. This health center has a real commitment to helping its patients achieve optimum heart health as well as treating many other conditions. If you need a solid rehabilitation program after an accident or illness, you can rest assured in this compassionate team who will accompany you on the road to recovery. They also offer nursing care services and palliative care for people contending with life-threatening illnesses. Visit this health center online for an overview of their heart and lung services. If you’d like to schedule an appointment for your or a loved one, feel free to call (203) 879-8066 today.