Happy Healthy Heart Awareness Month!

National Heart Awareness Month, which takes place every February, is designated as the perfect time to remind Americans to focus on their hearts and encourage them to get their families, friends and communities involved. 

There are many ways to spread the word, and they include encouraging your coworkers to participate on National Wear Red Day, to holding fundraisers with heart-healthy treats, to raising awareness by simply wearing a Red Ribbon. 

Men and women of all ages can be affected by heart disease so Physicians First Messages is here to share some tips with you on staying heart healthy.

​First, get active! If you don't already have an exercise routine you can start today with a few simple tricks. 

Maybe you can get off the subway or the bus one stop sooner and walk that extra block. 
If you drive, why not park a little further than usual, or if you can swing it, why not bike to work once a week?

Not everyone lives close to work, but there are other ways to sneak some heart healthy activities into your day. Taking the stairs, standing from your desk and moving around for 5 minutes every hour, walking for 5-10 minutes at breaks and lunch time, these are tried & true methods of keeping fit.

As always, consult your doctor before setting up any rigorous fitness regimens if you have any other health conditions that need attention.

Next, eating healthy has long been established as the foundation of your overall health, not just your heart health. 

If the old adage "You Are What You Eat" holds true, then what better way to keep your heart healthy than to nourish it with vitamin-rich foods like lean meats, nourishing proteins, natural organic vegetables and fruits, balanced with essential grains & dairy items? 

Don't forget to keep your body hydrated and your heart happy and pumping by drinking lots of water!

Finally, keeping your every day life stresses at a minimum is a must. Some people manage their stress load by giving themselves breaks and catching a movie with a friend, reading a new book, listening to music, even just stopping and watching the sunset. And if you smoke for stress relief... quit now. Your heart will thank you!

What works for others might not work for you, so if you find yourself especially stressed with no relief in sight, don't give up! Simply take a breath and try another solution. You're sure to find the best one for you, especially if you put your heart into it!

Sincerely,

​John Calhoun
Owner and operator