FIVE STEPS TO A HEALTHIER HEART

1. GET ACTIVE: There are numerous benefits to exercise, including strengthening the heart and lowering blood pressure. Try to fit in at 150 minutes of moderate level cardiovascular activity per week. 2. HEALTHY DIET: Get plenty of vegetable, fruits, whole grains. Eat lean meats like fish and chicken. Be sure to limit things such as sodium, added sugars and saturated fat. 3. LIVE SMOKE FREE: If you don’t smoke, don’t start and avoid excess amount of second hand smoke. If you do smoke, try taking steps towards cutting down, and eventually quitting. 4. WATCH YOUR BLOOD SUGAR: Cut back on foods with a lot of added sugar. Drink water instead of juices and soft drinks. Try not to eat candy, breakfast pastries and deserts in excess. Enjoy these things in moderation. 5. MONITOR BLOOD PRESSURE: Average “normal” blood pressure is 120/80. Make sure your numbers do not drastically exceed this.