›› Healthy Heart
Years ago people
knew far less than we know now about how to have a healthy heart
through your life. Lucky for us. Genetics plays a part, but even people
who are genetically predisposed to heart disease can follow some simple
guidelines to increase the likelihood that a heart attack will never be
in their cards.
It's been know for a long time that smoking is more than a major
contributor to lung cancer. It also is bad for the heart. Chemicals in
the smoke irritate the circulator system, causing inflation in the
arteries and, well, you can guess how bad that is for your heart. So,
if you want to maintain a healthy heart, knock off the cigarettes.
Also, some of the latest research in medical science indicates that
there is a link between gum disease and tooth decay and
atherosclerosis, a leading cause of heart disease. That means the
better you care for your mouth, the better it is for your heart. The
same bacteria that cause gingivitis wreak havoc on your heart too. So,
brush at least twice a day and floss daily per your dentist's
instructions. Also, don't postpone your visits to your dentist. Get
cavities taken care of right away, and preserve your teeth as long as
possible. Missing teeth are another indicator that your heart may be in
trouble.
Diet is another factor that affects the health of your heart. Some
foods that are particularly good for the heart include those that are
high in omega-3 fatty acids. Walnuts, cold-water fish, and olive oil
are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Also good for your heart are whole
grains (forget the white bread and baked potatoes), fresh vegetables,
especially tomatoes and eggplant. For dessert, serve up a little bowl
of blueberries, and your heart will thank you.
Another key to having a healthy heart is exercise. Burn off that excess
fat, especially around the abdomen. It's especially hard on your heart
to carry fat around your belly. It secretes harmful proteins into your
bloodstream, headed right for your heart. Pick something you like and
stick with it. Running, biking, swimming, even walking are all very
good. If you walk five miles a day, you'll burn 500 extra calories. And
you don't have to do it all in one long walk. You can split it up into
two or three shorter walks and still enjoy the benefits.
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A Healthy Dose of Good Advice
