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National Heart Month
February is National Heart Month...adopt a healthy lifestyle, live longer, live healthier, live happier!
Improve your heart health by following the ’BEAT’
Be Active
Eat healthier
Avoid smoking
Take a lifestyle check
Cardiovascular Disease is the main cause of death in the UK. It is responsible for 38% of deaths.
1 in 5 deaths in men
1 in 6 deaths in women
The majority of Coronary Heart Disease is preventable. Although treatment for heart disease continues to be developed and improved the proportion of people dying from heart disease remains high.
Preventing heart disease therefore must remain a priority.
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10 Ideas for a Healthier Heart
Get your 30 a Day
Just 30 minutes of physical activity at least 5 times per week is all it takes. As well as stengthening your heart you use up calories which aids weight control.
Kick the Habit
Smokers are twice as likely to have a heart attack as people who have never smoked. It’s never too late to stop!
Lose the Christmas Pounds
Take responsibility! Set realistic goals and aim for gradual steady weight loss.
Give Salt the Shake Off!
Reduce your salt intake - less than 6g per day for an adult. You’ll be surprised how quickly your taste buds adapt!
Grab 5
Up your intake of fruit and veg. Research tells us that fruit and veg protect against heart disease – so tuck in!!
Walk off Stress
If things are getting too much, go for a walk to reduce stress levels and help reach your 30 a day at the same time.
Cut the Saturated Fat
To stay healthy we need some fat in our diets but it is important it is the right type of fat – avoid saturated fats i.e. meat pies ,sausages and butter. Choose leaner cuts of meat and try steaming or grilling food rather than frying.
Up the Oily Fish
Aim for 2 portions of fish per week, including oily fish which are rich in omega 3 fatty acids which keep your heart healthy-ie. Salmon, mackerel, trout, herring, fresh tuna, sardines and pilchards.
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Cut back on empty Calories
A large glass of wine has the same calories as a portion of chips! On top of that alcohol stimulates the appetite and reduces self control!
Have a regular MOT
Prevention is better than cure, be pro active and arrange annual blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetic screening.
Here’s to a Happy and Healthy 2010!
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