It's Heart Month!
Gotta love those hearts. So much of the healthy habits we concentrate on are great helps for our hearts.
The American Heart Association started in 2010 to identify health factors and lifestyle behaviors for a healthy heart. In addition to the original 7, they have also discussed making efforts to reduce stress.
1. Don't smoke, or quit if you do.
2. Maintain healthy body size - check your BMI and measure waistline to monitor.
3. Physical activity, even if you are thin.
4. Blood pressure below 120/80. Sugar and man-made starches, lack of exercise are culprits.
5. Fasting blood glucose less than 100 milligrams/deciliter. See number 4!
6. Optimize HDL cholesterol - divide your HDL by cholesterol. Should be above 24 percent.
7. Eat a healthy diet with plenty of whole, fresh foods and healthy fats.