With temperatures warming and the sun shining, spring is the perfect time to improve your heart health. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in both American men and women, making it crucial to your overall well-being to adopt heart-healthy habits. Consider these simple four ways that you can boost your heart health while enjoying the spring weather.

How to Make Spring the Season for Better Cardiovascular Health

1. Plan Outdoor Workouts

Spring mornings offer comfortable temperatures to get your workout in and feel more energized as the day progresses. Something as simple as a brisk walk or riding your bike can have heart health benefits, as well as boosting your mood and helping you sleep better at night. The average healthy adult should get at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity, or 75 of intense activity.

2. Use Your Grill for Good

As you break out the grill this spring, skip the fatty red meats and marinades and opt for something lean and low in fat. The American Heart Association recommends eating oily fish like tuna and salmon at least twice a week to help lower your risk of fatal heart disease by 36%.

3. Eat Your Fruits & Veggies

Amp up your daily diet with springtime fruits and vegetables. Vegetables like spinach, green beans, and broccoli are abundant in spring and contain folate and vitamin B, both of which improve circulatory health. While fruits like strawberries and pineapple are also in season and high in antioxidants, which can benefit arterial health.

4. Hydrate Properly

Many American diets are filled with sugar-free drinks, such as soda. These empty calories add more weight to your frame and can cause your heart to work harder. Drinking water is good for your body and can help lower your risk of obesity. Drink at least eight glasses, or half a gallon, of water a day — or more if you’re working out!

If you’re ready to make the most of the season of renewal, trust the professionals at DiVagno Interventional Cardiology, MD, PA, in Rochelle Park, NJ. With more than 20 years of experience, these heart doctors can help put you on the path to improved heart health. They’ll help you get the diagnostic testing you need, including nuclear stress testing and EKGs. To learn more about this practice, visit them online or call (201) 845-3535.