It’s easy for many women to prioritize family needs and work deadlines in the hustle and bustle of daily life. That’s why Sun Health and other nonprofit organizations in Arizona are starting a conversation about health-consciousness: to create a healthier lifestyle for every member of our community.
Through education, Sun Health and other nonprofits in Arizona aim to reverse the toll of poor heart health. According to the CDC, heart disease is the number one killer of women in America and is more deadly than all forms of cancer. By following these ten simple tips, you can protect your heart’s health from being endangered.
This summer, learn more about heart health with the following tips for women:
- Create habits that increase you activity throughout the day. Take the stairs instead of the elevator or park at the back of the lot at the grocery store. Better yet, get out of the house and volunteer for one of the many nonprofit organizations in Arizona. These extra steps add up throughout the day.
- Stop smoking and limit your alcohol intake. Smoking can increase your blood pressure and lower your body’s ability to exercise for long periods of time.
- Review your family history. Talk to your doctor and be aware about how family history may affect your heart’s health.
- Find time in you schedule to work out. Whether you make it to the gym to pump iron, or go on a walk with you family after dinner, being active is key.
- Plan your meals ahead of time to avoid the urge to eat out or grab fast food. Fast food menus are often full of unhealthy fats and high levels of sodium. Having a prepared meal plan created ahead of time will help you stick to a healthier diet.
- Make sure that your menus include lots of fruits and vegetables. Get creative with fun and seasonal produce that can add personality and health to your meals.
- Discover ways to add flavor to your food instead of salt. Add lemon juice, pair with salsa, or explore herbs from your garden.
- Double check that you are getting plenty of whole grains and fiber in your diet. Certain types of fiber have been shown to decrease risk of cardiovascular disease. Good sources of healthy fiber include strawberries, citrus fruit, oatmeal, and beans.
- Add fish to your diet. The omega-3 fatty acids that are found in fish are very good for your heart. Salmon, herring, and tuna have high levels of the omega-3 fatty acid.
- Mange your stress and find time to relax. Find the activities in your day that create stress and try to prevent them. Take time to relax during the day by reading, doing yoga, or doing other activities that you enjoy.
To learn more about how nonprofits in Arizona can help you create a healthier life, visit our website at https://sunhealthseniorliving.org/.
