February is American Heart Month – Use these Safety Tips to Keep Your Heart Healthy!

Since 1963, the American Heart Association has recognized February as American Heart Month to encourage everyone to take the steps necessary to maintain good heart health. In fact, with more than one in three women having some form of cardiovascular disease and heart disease remaining the leading cause of hospitalization for men in the U.S., the need to remain vigilant against heart disease has never been more important. To help you keep your heart healthy, here are eight safety tips from Security Specialists.

American Heart Month Safety Tips:

1. Maintain a healthy weight and get regular exercise. If you are overweight, go on a diet.
2. Get regular medical checkups to identify and control any possible heart problems such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol.
3. Do not smoke or use illegal drugs.
4. Get your rest. Sleep provides many recuperative powers.
5. Cut the salt – limit your sodium intake to 1,500 to 2,400 milligrams per day.
6. Drink alcohol in moderation.
7. Follow a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet.
8. Relax and keep stress under control.

Remember, combining regular physical activity with a healthy diet along with adequate sleep, effective stress management and avoidance of tobacco can dramatically cut your risk of heart disease and premature death.