September 29th is World Heart Day and the World Heart Federation is asking everybody to pay attention to their hearts and start living healthier lifestyles. Cardiovascular diseases [CVD’s] are the world’s biggest killer causing over 17 million deaths a year and many of these deaths are preventable through lifestyle changes.
During World Heart Day I’m calling on you all to focus on your health and work together to help prevent becoming another fatality statistic. Most people know someone or have themselves been directly affected by heart disease and the saddest part is a lot of times it is avoidable by changing lifestyle habits.
Simple changes in diet by reducing your salt intake and eliminating processed foods from your diet and trying to get a couple of hours of exercise a day can make a huge difference.
A healthy diet reduces the risk of coronary heart disease and prevents weight gain which puts pressure on your heart, the introduction of a healthy diet also helps to prevent further worsening of existing heart disease and it’s not too late to start eating healthily.
I’ve listed FIVE strategies that you can introduce into your lifestyle TODAY to help you avoid this killer disease and take better care of your heart.
Mediterranean Diet
A 2013 study showed the Mediterranean diet reduces the risk of coronary heart disease by 30% and prevents weight gain which puts pressure on your heart, the diet also helps to prevent further worsening of existing heart disease and it’s NEVER too late to start eating healthily.
Reduce Salt
The bad kind like table salt. Too much salt can cause high blood pressure, which increases the risk of developing coronary heart disease. Check the salt content of any pre-packaged food you buy. Better still make your own meals from scratch.
No Processed Foods
There are lots of hidden trans fats, sugars and salts in processed food, fast food, and ready meals. I would strongly advise people to hugely reduce this type of food and only eat it occasionally.
Quit Smoking
Smokers are twice as likely as non-smokers to have heart disease with all the health issues it causes it is the most important thing you can do for your heart.”
Start A Fitness Regime
The heart is the most important muscle and just a small amount of intense exercise will keep it functioning properly. Working out as little as ten minutes a day can make a huge difference. New workout content is added to my online membership ‘Supercharge Me’ each week. To start your free 28 day trial, just click HERE.
New Dimensions Fitness will be hosting ‘Healthy Heart Challenge’ on September 29th at 6pm.
This FREE fitness session will include 4 elements to represent the 4 chambers of the heart. Each element being a different mini fitness challenge!
You dont have to be superfit for this session – we’re raising awareness so be prepared for lots of fun and laughter!
Remember to invite your friends along too, places are limited!
You can register here
