Heart is the main part of our body. A healthy heart leads to a healthy lifestyle. Here are the 7 health choices you must have to have a good life. Read more.

Health is Important 

“Health” is a part of life many tend to ignore or overlook, especially when occupied with other demands in life. The term health is not strictly defined as it varies from person to person. However, good, sound health is important. 

When one speaks of health, however, multiple aspects make up a healthy body. This includes the physical, mental, and emotional health of a person. Accordingly, one of the most crucial components of a healthy body is the heart. As a crucial organ in the human body, the heart is responsible for pumping blood to the body and supplying oxygen and nutrients to each organ, muscle, and cell in the body. 

Most health concerns these days have often to do with an unhealthy heart. This is usually the case due to the onset of a healthy lifestyle and lifestyle choices, in fact, a few popular causes of an unhealthy heart may be: 

• Excessive smoking and consumption of alcohol
• High cholesterol 
• High blood pressure
• Lack of exercise
• Poor diet
• Diabetes and other related diseases

Accordingly, each choice one makes is a choice they make for their health in the short or long run. Moreover, efforts to keep healthy come from habits and lifestyle choices practiced every day. It is important to include a few healthy habits into one’s daily routine. These key habits are essential for a healthy heart as well as overall health. Therefore, here are 7 health choices to ensure good heart health:

Diet

A healthy, balanced diet contains proportions of all essential nutrients- Proteins, Carbohydrates, Vitamins, Minerals, and Fats. Doctors and nutritionists recommend consuming the recommended levels of all 5 key essential nutrients to nourish as well as energize your body throughout the day. 

Make overall healthier food and beverage choices, opting for better alternatives. Avoid foods high in trans fats, preservatives, artificial flavours, sweeteners, etc. instead opt for fresh and organic fruits and vegetables, and lean proteins such as chicken and fish. Most importantly, avoid consumption of sugary drinks and sodas to ensure a healthy heart. 

Keep moving 

As far as a healthy heart is concerned, it is generally advised to be active physically instead of being stationed in the same place for long periods. Move at least once every hour to avoid weight as well as heart problems in the long run. If you work seated in one place for most of the day, take time for short walks or strolls. Otherwise, dedicate time for exercise. It is advised generally to aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity daily —even for weight loss, weight maintenance, or a specific fitness goal or routine. 

Weight maintenance 

Another key factor that helps prolong heart and overall health is maintenance or control of weight. Weight is another indication of how healthy a body is. For instance, those on the heavier side are more likely to incur high blood pressure and cholesterol problems. It is advised for men to try and maintain a waist circumference of fewer than 37 inches, whereas, for women, it is recommended to maintain weight within “normal” BMI (Body Mass Index) ranges. However, as far as weight is concerned, fat is not to be confused with muscle mass as the two work differently. Fat requires close to no energy to store, whereas muscles require energy to store- muscles oxidize or “burn” fat for energy. 

Lifestyle 

Lifestyle choices that one makes almost directly affect their health. These habits are often adapted into routines and become dangerous in the long run. A few common lifestyle choices that can be potentially harmful in the long run include smoking, drugs and narcotics, and over-consumption of alcohol. Smoking, for instance, is associated with various forms of cancers and heart diseases if over-consumed. Similarly, over-consumption of alcohol is proven to be damaging to the liver, heart, and kidneys in the long run. Another damaging substance is drugs. Drugs are damaging to the heart, brain, and other important organs, especially since it makes them particularly addictive. Where moderate consumption of alcohol is advised, smoking and drugs are habits doctors strictly advise against. 

Sufficient sleep

Sleep is an essential part of life. Sufficient sleep per day is mandatory for the body to function well, physically and mentally. Sleep is important because it is during this time that the body repairs, recharges, and re-energizes itself. Disrupted or insufficient sleep is proven to be directly associated with cardiovascular problems. For one, it contributes largely to blood pressure as well as increased risk of various other heart diseases, heart attack, diabetes, stroke, etc. Therefore, it is recommended that an adult sleeps an average of 7 to 9 hours per day. 

Mental health

A healthy mind contributes to a healthy body, and eventually, a healthy lifestyle. Many these days are stressed from the demands of life, including professional, personal, social, and other aspects- it can be overwhelming to balance it all. Thus, it is important to keep track of feelings, and emotions and notice any signs of stress. Excessive stress can be unhealthy for a multitude of reasons; however, one primary concern is directly linked to cardiovascular diseases, heart attacks, strokes, etc. Additionally, there are risks of other mental health concerns associated with excessive stress. Therefore, if overwhelmed, take a break, refresh, consider de-stressing or seek professional help if persistent. 

Health check-ups 

It is important to make it a habit to have check-ups at least every 6 months, especially from the 30s onwards. This is to keep track of health concerns such as blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol, etc. This is advised largely to avoid any future complications, especially those that are avoidable. This is more important for those who already have a history of health concerns previously. It also helps keep track of one’s health as it helps with making healthier, more informed decisions in the long run. For example, those found to be with high cholesterol can implement appropriate changes in their diet and exercises in their daily routines. 

Conclusively, health is a priority many tend to overlook especially in their youth. However, it is important to prioritize health sooner rather than later. As one of the most common health concerns these days is heart health, it is important to take steps to ensure a healthier heart and overall health. This includes a healthier diet, exercise, prioritizing mental health, and others. 

Health insurance is also an important component of health and well-being, as it provides you peace of mind during illness and emergencies. If you are looking for health insurance plans, contact us today!