A healthy heart lets you stay focused on doing what you love. Learn how Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute can help you keep your heart healthy.
What you do, what you eat and how you approach your day can have a surprising impact on your heart. Keeping stress levels low, nourishing your body and mind with healthy choices, and taking really good care of yourself all have a surprising positive impact on your heart function. Here is a look at some healthy and not-so-healthy choices you can make throughout the day that will have your body telling you it “loves you” or “loves you not.”
In the Morning
Loves Me NOT- Hit the snooze button multiple times.
- Comb your hair or put on your makeup in the car while driving.
- Read the paper with a cigarette and a coffee.
- Run a washcloth over your face.
- Wolf down a fast-food drive-thru sausage sandwich.
- Offend everyone in the office with your morning breath.
- Unleash road rage and pound on your steering wheel.
- Wake up early and go for a walk around the neighborhood.
- Allow for plenty of time to get ready for work.
- Watch the morning news while running on your treadmill.
- Shower – it will give you a better jolt than coffee.
- Enjoy a fiber-rich bowl of cereal and heart-healthy glass of orange juice.
- Brush and floss your teeth.
- Listen to an audio book by your favorite author during your commute.
At Work
Loves Me NOT- Walk in the office and wing it.
- Surf the internet for an hour or two.
- Remain in front of your computer for a solid eight hours.
- Go for coffee refill number three; start to feel shaky.
- Go out for a super-size combo with a chocolate milkshake.
- Watch YouTube videos about cats and eat at your desk.
- Embrace the 2 p.m. crash; get some more coffee.
- Plan out your day with a "to do" list.
- Get started on your list right away to feel accomplished and to stay focused.
- Get up from your desk every 30 minutes for a brief walk or stretch.
- Fill your water bottle and drink 64 oz. of water throughout the day.
- Pack a lunch of grilled chicken, fresh veggies and a ripe peach.
- Take a brisk walk at lunch.
- Have an energy-boosting granola bar or some almonds midday.
In the Evening
Loves Me NOT- Microwave a TV dinner.
- Kick off your shoes and plop down on the couch.
- Let the laundry sit in the dryer for another night.
- Fall asleep on the couch at 7 p.m.
- Scroll through your Facebook feed for a few hours.
- Chew some gum and promise to brush in the morning.
- Watch infomercials until 1 a.m.
- Enjoy a mixed-green salad with salmon and a cup of sorbet.
- Take an after-dinner walk.
- Finish household chores to keep you moving.
- Garden, sew, read: make time for your favorite hobby.
- Call a friend or Skype with far-away family to stay connected.
- Brush your teeth again before bed.
- Go to bed early, aiming for eight hours of sleep.
