Heart Disease is the #1 killer among adults. Around 550,000 Americans have their first heart attack every year.

Heart disease kills more Moms than all forms of cancer combined — including breast cancer.

To be there for your kids, as they grow up, here are a few tips that can help you be more heart friendly.

IN YOUR KITCHEN

Stocking your pantry, fridge and cupboards with the good things your heart deserves may help you eat healthier — and help lower your risk of heart disease. Focus on these five love-your-heart foods:

1. Fruits and veggies. For a wide range of nutrients, go for a colorful medley of fresh produce. You can also stock up on frozen fruits and vegetables. Look for products that don’t have added sodium, fat or sugar.

2. Select Whole grains in your breads, pastas, tortillas and breakfast cereals. Other options to embrace wholeheartedly: brown rice, wild rice, bulgur, quinoa and oatmeal.

3. Avoid meat. Soy, spinach and other legumes have as much protein as meats. You might also choose beans, tofu, or unsalted nuts and seeds.

4. Go fat-free or low-fat when it comes to milk, cheese, yogurt and other dairy choices.

5. Reach for unsaturated, heart-healthy vegetable oils, such as olive, canola, corn, safflower or sunflower. They’re still high in calories — so use them sparingly.

IN YOUR DAILY ACTIVITY

• Exercise is one of the best ways to help protect your heart. In fact, inactive people are nearly twice as likely to develop heart disease as those who are active. Most healthy adults should aim for at least 2.5 hours a week of moderate aerobic exercise.
• Focus on fun. You’re more likely to stick with activities you enjoy. So whether it’s basketball, biking or walking laps round a mall, try to find fitness pursuits that make you happy.
• Bring along a buddy. Ask a friend to join your heart-healthy mission — and cheer each other on. Meet for walks and talks. Or team up for a fun run.
• Throughout your day, find times to squeeze in short bursts of activity. Aim for at least 10 minutes at a time. Maybe that’s a quick stroll around the block or calisthenics between loads of laundry.
• If you smoke, quitting is one of the best things you can do for your heart. People who smoke are two to four times more likely to develop heart disease than nonsmokers, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The good news is that as soon as you stop lighting up, your risk begins to go down — and continues to decrease with time.
• Reduce Stress in your life: De-clutter your day. Remove tasks that aren’t musts. If your day is going to be stressful, pack a nutritious lunch — and go to bed early.
• Do yoga – especially deep breathing exercises (known as pranayama) They will help you relax. And it may even slow your heart rate.

FINALLY: ASK YOUR DOCTOR

• What is my blood pressure, cholesterol and triglycerides level and what should it be?
• Am I overweight or diabetic? What’s a healthy weight for me?
• What lifestyle changes would you recommend for me?

Source: Internet and other

The views expressed in this article should not be considered as a substitute for a physician’s advice. Always make sure to seek a doctor or a professional’s advice before proceeding with the home treatment plan.