Heart disease is responsible for 1 out of every 4 deaths in the United States. It is essential to check on yourself and take care of your body. Here are some tips that can help you maintain a healthy heart:
Stay active: Maintaining good heart health requires constant physical activity. The American Heart Association suggests taking part in moderate aerobic exercise for at least 150 minutes, or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic exercise, or a combination of both throughout the week. It is also important to stand up and stretch if you’re constantly sitting down at a desk. Building movement into your everyday activities can be beneficial to your overall health.
Healthy Food Consumption: A balanced diet plays an important role in maintaining a healthy heart. Try to limit unhealthy fat and consume more healthy fats such as avocados, nuts, fish, olives, and eggs to decrease the risk of heart disease. Maintaining a good relationship with food is also important to prevent overeating or binge eating, increasing the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
Get Enough Rest and Sleep: According to the American Heart Association, adults ages 18 to 65 should aim to get at least seven hours of good quality sleep every night. Allowing yourself deep, restorative sleep is essential for good cardiovascular health.
Maintaining Positive Mood: Happiness works wonders for both the mind and the body. Having a positive attitude allows people to enjoy the good things, become healthier (mentally and physically), and foster good relationships. The American Heart Association indicates that happiness may cause several positive chemical changes, such as reducing stress hormones that can reduce the risk of heart disease.
USFHP’s TRICARE Prime plan offers benefits that support healthy living management. We’ve developed incentive programs that give rewards to our members for meeting certain health goals. With our free enhanced benefits, members can choose to receive up to $250 a year in gym reimbursement.
Visit usfhp.net or call 1-800-241-4848 for help finding a provider or assistance scheduling an appointment.