Give your heart some X’s and O’s

Is your heart getting all the TLC it needs? If not, American Heart Month, which is this February, is the ideal time to commit to giving your heart more love and attention. Here are five ways to spoil your body’s most important muscle — and keep it pumping strong.

Walk your heart

Take your heart for a walk. Staying active by simply putting one foot in front of the other is one of the easiest ways to help protect your heart. Walking is free, simple to do and there’s a low risk of injury.

Most adults should aim for 30 minutes of moderate-intense activity, such as brisk walking, at least five days a week. But if you’re pressed for time, you can break that up into three 10-minute workouts. Get a doctor’s OK before you start a walking program if:

• You have a chronic health problem like diabetes or high blood pressure.
• You’re over 40 and haven’t been active in a while.

Feed your heart

Feed your heart-smart snacks. Instead of snacks packed with unhealthy fats, sugar or salt, try heart-friendly options like:

• Whole-grain toast with peanut or almond butter.
• Cherry tomatoes dipped in hummus.
• Whole-grain crackers with canned tuna or salmon.
• A fruit or veggie smoothie.
• Fat-free or low-fat popcorn.
• Fat-free or low-fat yogurt topped with berries.

Test your heart

High blood cholesterol can raise your risk of heart disease, a heart attack or a stroke. But it usually doesn’t cause symptoms, which is why all adults 20 and older need their cholesterol tested on a regular basis. Ask your doctor how often to get yours checked.
Take our 5 minute Heart Age Assessmenthere

Rest your heart

Stress your heart less. When tension mounts, talk out problems with a trusted friend, family member or counselor, like the ones available through Adventist Health Portland’s manyprimary care medical offices.

Also, try to replace negative thoughts with positive ones. For example, replace “I’ve really messed up” with “everybody makes mistakes.” Reframe “I can’t do this” as “I’ll give it my best shot.”

Tend your heart

Tend to your heart with thanks. Research shows that practicing gratitude is good medicine for your heart and health.

Thankfulness can lower blood pressure and boost your immune system. It can also help you engage in healthy behaviors.

To feel more thankful, try keeping a gratitude journal. Look for your blessings — large and small — and write them down.

With Valentine’s Day on February’s calendar, love is in the air. Make sure you show some to your heart.

Learn more about cardiovascular care and services atNW Regional Heart and Vascular.