People are living longer in many parts of the world than they ever did in the past. A lot of that is due to medical advances that can cure or prevent disease and treat conditions more efficiently. But it’s not all about what the medical profession can do. Some of it is also about what you can do to help yourself stay healthier, so you can increase your longevity. One of the ways to do that is through good heart health, and your lifestyle gives you a lot of control over that.
Healthy Food Goes a Long Way
When you work with a medical professional like Ian Weisberg, you can get important information about caring for your heart. One of those pieces of information will likely have to do with the food you’re eating. While it’s generally fine to have a treat here and there, the overall makeup of your diet needs to be heart healthy to get the most protection. That means plant-based options like fruits and veggies, along with lean meats, protein, and healthy fats.
If you have a diet that’s high in carbs or sugar, or you drink a lot of alcohol, you could be doing damage to your heart over time. An occasional drink or sugary treat isn’t really the problem for most people. It’s the pattern of what they do most days and whether they’re consistent about taking good care of their heart. If you’re not sure what you should be eating or how much, your doctor can help you get a good baseline and starting point.
Getting Exercise Can Strengthen Your Heart
Exercise is another good way to make your heart stronger and increase your longevity. You don’t have to run or lift heavy to get the benefits, either. You just need to move your body, preferably most days of the week. A lot of people walk for exercise, as it’s one of the most beneficial options that’s also easy on the joints and safe for the vast majority of people. Yoga, swimming, dancing, and other activities are good choices, as well.
Reduce Stress and Get Enough Sleep
If you work with a doctor like Dr. Ian Weisberg you may also be told to sleep more and work on bringing your stress level down. That’s because high stress and a lack of sleep are other things that can damage your heart health and shorter your lifespan. An infrequent short night or stressful experience isn’t the problem, though. It’s typically when these kinds of issues become chronic that you need to reevaluate where you are and make some changes.
Make Sure to Work With Your Doctor
Working with your doctor is extremely important when you want to protect the health of your heart and live a longer life. You can get a checkup, along with any tests you need to see if your heart is healthy. Your doctor will also advise you about changes you can make, in order to reduce any genetic of lifestyle risks you have.