It’s National Heart Month. We want to give you some simple things you can do every week to lower your risk of heart disease.
Get More Rest
People who get fewer than six hours of sleep each night are at an increased risk of developing heart disease. By sleeping more, you help maintain blood pressure, lower stress, and maintain a healthy body weight–all benefits to a healthy heart.
Cut the Processed Foods
Approximately 80 per cent of the salt we consume comes from processed foods. Eating too much salt could increase your risk for high blood pressure. If you can decrease your salt intake little by little every day, you can help minimize the risk of heart disease.
Stop Drinking your Calories
Want to lose 10 pounds in a year? Cutting out one sugary drink a day can save you up to 100 calories. Switch to water instead. By maintaining a healthy body weight, you help maintain a healthy heart.
These heart healthy tips are provided by Occupational Therapist and Physiotherapist Assistant Heather McConnell.
Heather is also event organizer for the Cardiac Care Affair, a Trillium Health Partners staff-led fundraising event that raises awareness about cardiovascular health and prevention. This year’s heart healthy event is taking place on May 31, 2018 and reconnects previous patients and their families with their cardiac team and community partners who helped them along their health care journey.
The event has raised over $35,000 in support of the cardiac care program at the Hazel McCallion Centre for Heart Health, Mississauga Hospital.
Find out about other exciting events that are happening in our community.