TIPS FOR A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

There is no better time to start taking care of your health than now

Here are some tips to guide you towards a better heart health, courtesy of

• Say no to salt: It might save you from bland food, but note that consuming a lot of it will cause harm to your body. The condiment affects the arteries, which leads to poor blood flow to the heart. This results in angina, a sharp pain in the organ. In the long run, it contributes to rise in blood pressure, which raises the chances of a heart attack

Watch what you eat: As the saying goes: “You are what you eat”, keep track of the meals you are consuming. That, of course, is easier said than done, especially when your metropolitan environment boasts of long university/office hours and easy access to fast food. Try to take home-cooked meals with a good balance of whole grains, vegetables, legumes, meat and non-fat milk. Visit a nutritionist to narrow down on a custom diet plan.

• Maintain an active lifestyle: By this, we don’t mean take on intense workouts. Adopt light to moderate exercises that are best suited for your body type and try to make it part of your daily routine for at least 20 minutes, five days a week. Gather your family and friends and get involved in group sports. Physical activities increase the heart rate and improve circulation, thus reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

• Adopt a pet: New studies have shown that owning a furry pal is linked to better heart health, according to the American Heart Association. Whether it’s a loyal pooch or a purring feline, pets give their owners social support, encourage physical activity, and motivate them to take up healthier lifestyles and stick to it.

Quit smoking: This has been highlighted time and again, yet many fail to see the importance of stubbing out those cigarettes. Smoking increases blood pressure, reduces stamina, and gives rise to blood clots. This paired with damage to arteries greatly increase the chances of coronary heart disease. These risks