Follow These Tips for Better Heart Health
More than 600,000 Americans die each year from heart disease – roughly one out of every four deaths. The financial and emotional toll of heart disease quite possibly has affected you in one way or another, whether it’s losing someone from it or experiencing issues yourself.
Take steps to care for your heart. Here are a few easy ways to give your body what it needs and take care of your heart – one of the most important organs in your body:
Start or Maintain a Heart-Healthy Diet
Eat foods that support heart health by lowering cholesterol and blood pressure, and reducing inflammation, such as:
- Oats
- Dark leafy greens
- Nuts and seeds
- Try adding lemon or vinegar when you would typically use salt
Get Plenty of Sleep
- Seven to nine hours recommended
- Too much or too little can change the way our bodies function and affect blood pressure
Exercise Daily and Stop Smoking
- Do what you can do and move as you are able
- Aerobic, resistance and flexibility exercises are key
- Reduce/stop tobacco and nicotine products
Find a Way to Manage Your Stress
We can never avoid stress entirely. But we can try.
- Find an activity or hobby you can use in times of stress
- Try deep breathing
- Research meditation methods
- Try a mind-body exercise workout
Get a Cardiovascular Screening
You may be at risk for heart disease even with a healthy lifestyle. That’s why heart and vascular screenings are recommended for men ages 40+ and women ages 45+.
Avera Planet Heart screenings are covered for most members* by Avera Health Plans, with no additional cost.
What’s included:
- Heart screening: calcium CT score, blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar testing
- Vascular screening: checks carotid arteries, abdominal aorta and peripheral arteries
- Both screenings include a personalized assessment and recommendations for improving your heart and vascular health.
You can choose to get both screenings at once. Find a screening clinic near you.
Learn more about our LiveNOW Well-Being program.
By Evan Moore, Well-Being Specialist
*Check with your plan administrator to confirm this is a covered benefit for you. The benefit is available to members on large group, small group, individual and family plans, South Dakota Bar Association and Medicare Supplement (AgilityPlus - Standard and Select Plan G only).
