In celebration of American Heart Month and the American Heart Association’s 100th birthday, the American Heart Association and Blue Cross® Blue Shield® of Michigan are promoting healthy heart habits. Heart disease encompasses a variety of conditions. The most common is coronary artery disease, which is a build-up of plaque that can narrow the arteries and restrict blood flow. This can lead to heart attack or stroke. You can take measures to prevent these health risks.
- Add more fresh fruits and vegetables to your meals every day.
- Limit adding salt to your foods. Instead use herbs or non-salt spice blends.
- Eat leaner, healthier sources of protein.
- Try baking, steaming or grilling instead of frying.
- Use high-fiber grains, such as brown rice or whole wheat pasta.
- Stop or limit drinking sodas and sweetened tea.
Living a healthy lifestyle has its rewards — you can help keep your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels normal, and lower your risk for heart disease and heart attack. Talk with your primary care provider before beginning an exercise program or changing your diet.
Blue Cross Virtual Well-Being offers SBAM members a variety of meditations to help calm and relax your mind and body, leading to lowered blood pressure. Try one on demand today or register for an upcoming live session every Wednesday at Noon ET at bluecrossvirtualwellbeing.com
You can also download the American Heart Month Toolkit which includes information about the difference between cardiac arrest and heart attack, how to perform hands-only CPR, warning signs of a heart attack or stroke, and much more.