Tips for a Happier, Healthier Heart
Valentine’s Day and American Heart Month aren’t the only times we should think about happy and healthy hearts. Rather, every day is an opportunity to focus on your heart—what makes it beat, what makes it beat a little faster and what you can do to strengthen this important muscle.
“Everyone has heard about the importance of a healthy diet and regular exercise for heart health. Beyond that, it is also important to manage your stress levels and find activities that help reduce those daily stressors,” said Dr. Jewelia Wagner. “A healthy heart is a happier heart.”
In addition, you can support heart health by managing your weight, knowing and monitoring your blood pressure and cholesterol numbers, quitting smoking, regularly brushing and flossing, laughing out loud—and enjoying some good dark chocolate.
It is also important to recognize the signs of potential heart attack, which can be very different in women than in men. They include: pain in the arms, neck, back, stomach and/or jaw as well as chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea, persistent fatigue, dizziness and breaking out in a sweat.
“Fortunately, many of the things that are good for your heart are also good for your mood and your mental health. You can dance with your kids, try a new recipe, listen to music and enjoy a good night’s sleep,” Dr. Wagner added.
Please visit Clinic Sofia’s Facebook page to read comments from our own staff about what is making their hearts happy right now!
