Simple Steps to Boost Your Heart Health Today

Here are two important statistics we want you to know about cardiovascular health in the U.S.: Heart disease is the leading cause of death, with nearly 700,000 fatalities each year. Importantly, one-third of these deaths are preventable. This is the key point we want to highlight.

Dr. James Kim and our team are committed to changing these numbers. We want to share some simple steps you can take to improve your heart health, which you can start implementing right away.

It’s common advice to lose weight, exercise, quit smoking, and eat better for heart health. However, we know that these changes can be challenging. Let’s break down these suggestions into practical steps.

Replace One Snack

Instead of reaching for chips or cookies, try choosing a healthier snack once a day. For example, a handful of baby carrots or some nuts make great, crunchy alternatives to chips. 

Similarly, a bowl of berries, an apple, or a banana can satisfy your sweet tooth.

By starting with just one healthy snack swap each day, you’ll likely find yourself making more healthy choices over time.

Home Exercise

Going to the gym is great but can be time-consuming and requires motivation. Instead, try incorporating exercise into your daily routine at home. Take the stairs two at a time, do five quick squats while waiting for your coffee to brew, or perform curls and lifts with the garbage bag. These small efforts can add up to a significant amount of exercise throughout your day without disrupting your routine.

Unplug for an Hour

Stress negatively impacts cardiovascular health, and screens are a major source of stress. Try turning off all screens for at least one hour a day. This break can help you relax and avoid the constant barrage of bad news.

Dance for Your Health

We encourage you to get your heart rate up every day, and dancing is a fun way to do it. Turn up your music and dance while doing household chores or gardening. It’s a great way to combine fun with physical activity.

Hydrate with Water

Many drinks contain high amounts of sugar. Challenge yourself to replace at least one sugary drink with a glass of water each day. Iced teas, lemonades, sodas, and even so-called healthy drinks are loaded with calories. By choosing water, you cut calories and stay hydrated.

Discover More Small Steps

There are many small steps you can take to improve your cardiovascular health, and we’re sure you can come up with creative ideas of your own. For guidance on getting started, please contact one of our locations in National City or Chula Vista, California.