Asé Pure Naturals cares for your whole body – including your heart!
Although February is dedicated as American Heart Month to help us all celebrate a heart-healthy diet and lifestyle, today, we’ve got 7 tips to help you make those lifestyle changes to boost your heart’s health. Learn heart healthy tips for a heart healthy lifestyle.
Key Points
- American Heart Month – What it’s all about
- 7 Heart-healthy changes to show you love your heart!
American Heart Month
Former US President Lyndon B Johnson, after urging from congress, issued Presidential Proclamation 3566 in December 1963, announcing February as the first American Heart Month. In his remarks about American Heart Month to the American people, Johnson said “the people of the United States to give heed to the nationwide problem of the heart and blood-vessel diseases, and to support the programs required to bring about its solution.” Soon after, the first Surgeon General’s Report on Smoking and Health was published on Jan. 11, 1964.
These landmark events created a movement for Americans to put more focus on cardiovascular health which continues to this day with the yearly celebration all month of February, of heart health education, research, and for us to make changes in our lives that can help our hearts to be more healthy.
There are several simple things you can do to help your heart to beat a little brighter and stronger, and possibly stave off heart disease and improve the quality of your overall health.
Facts:
- Heart disease kills more than 600,000 Americans every year.
- Unhealthy habits contribute to heart disease
- Chest pain may signal a heart attack, but some symptoms, especially for women, can be different.
- Get a Heart Check Up
Manhattan Cardiology outlines a few reasons why getting regular heart check ups are so important for our health. They recommend beginning at age 20 and frequency should depend on your health risks and family heart and health history.
Heart check ups can screen for:
- Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
- Heart failure
- Arrhythmia
- Cardiac Arrest
- Heart Attack
- Pericarditis
- Congenital Heart Defect
- Signs or potential risk factors that could lead to heart disease
Facts:
Heart disease accounts for about 25% of all deaths and is the leading cause of death in the United States. In fact, the prevalence of these diseases is so high that 1 American dies every 40 seconds. – Source.
Call your doctor today and ask them if it’s time for your heart health check up!
Know the Signs of a Heart Attack
According to the CDC, these are some signs you need to know inside and out, because when you are having a heart attack time is of the essence:
- Chest pain or discomfort. Often in the center or a little to the left side. Can last more than a few minutes or it can go away and come back. Feels like pressure, pain, squeezing, or a feeling of “fullness” in the chest.
- Weakness, light-headedness, faintness.
- Cold sweats.
- Pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck, or back.
- Pain or discomfort in arms or shoulders, often on one side.
- Shortness of breath.
For women, there can be other symptoms such as nausea, tiredness, vomiting, and the usual signs of a heart attack could be less, which is often confusing for women. They may not even know they are having a heart attack. Learn more about women and heart disease.
If you think you are having a heart attack: call 9-1-1 immediately.
Take a Walk
Just taking a walk each day can help to boost your heart’s health. Walking is a form of aerobic exercise, which strengthens the heart by increasing heart rate, stimulating blood flow, and delivering nutrients throughout your body.
Not only will it improve your heart health – it will improve your quality of life and your mood! You can even work some exercise into your routine right from your work desk.
Get Better Sleep
Ongoing lack of sleep can lead to some serious health consequences, some of which are leading causes of heart disease, like high blood pressure. It can also lead to developing diabetes or obesity, both of which can create ongoing health concerns and reduce your quality of life. Start today by setting a regular bedtime, a regular wake time that provides at least 7 hours of sleep, and be prioritizing healthy sleep each and every night. Turn off the devices about an hour before bed to reduce light, which stimulates melatonin production, prompting your body to get sleepy, naturally.
Note:
If you are having trouble sleeping, try a daily CBD regimen to help your body ease into a more regular and fruitful sleep cycle. Daily sleep is crucial for your overall health and wellness.
Manage Stress
Stress, especially chronic stress, can raise your risks of heart disease in multiple ways. Stress can cause many people to make poor health decisions like drinking too much or smoking, or it can interrupt sleep patterns, causing health concerns. Due to increased levels of cortisol when your body is under stress, your body can experience elevated blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol levels in the blood, and higher levels of triglycerides – all of which can contribute to heart disease.
Therefore, there’s no time like the present to de-stress your life, find some healthy coping skills that calm you when you feel stressed, and make time for a little down time to take care of your body and your positive mental health.
Eat a Heart Healthy Diet
The American Heart Association recommends that you eat a heart healthy diet that emphasizes things like:
- Fruits and veggies
- Whole grains, be aware of glutens, they can cause havoc on the gut.
- Healthy protein sources like animal proteins, legumes, nuts, and fish
- Stay away from processed foods
- Low or no sugar
- Low or no alcohol
Check out the American Heart Association’s more info on heart healthy foods. If you’re looking for ideas for heart healthy meals, we really love the ones at the Mayo Clinic. Click here for a whole list of heart healthy recipes your family will love.
Stop Smoking
The CDC reports that of the deaths from heart disease, approximately a quarter of them can be attributed to smoking. Even very light smokers (less than 5 cigarettes a day) show early signs of cardiovascular disease or distress. Even one cigarette a day can increase heart rate, tighten major arteries, and can cause an irregular heart rhythm. There’s no time like right now to quit, for good. Talk with your doctor for support and guidance as you tackle this difficult – but doable – challenge.
Spend Quality Time with a Pet
Dogs truly are our best friends. Not only do they add meaning, purpose, and joy to our lives – but they also might save it. Spending time with your beloved pooch may lower your chance of cardiovascular disease or even save your life should you have a heart attack. One study reports that “People with pets had significantly lower resting baseline heart rates and blood pressure, significantly smaller increases in heart rate and blood pressure in response to stress, and faster recovery of these parameters to baseline after cessation of stress.”
Sounds like it’s time to take your dog for a nice long walk – or if you don’t have a pet, to adopt one, and love it with all your heart!
Some Research Suggests that Cannabis Derivatives Help the Heart
As a CBD, health, and wellness company, Asé Piure Naturals keeps a sharp eye on how our products can help improve your life. We watch the research and do endless testing of our products to ensure they are safe and effective for you to use. One key interest we have is how CBD products affect your heart health.
Research is still in its “infancy” when it comes to CBD and other cannabis (hemp) derivatives. But though it’s early, the research seems to be quite positive. One study looked at CBD and its effect on the heart valves. Others look at CBD as a possible reducer of blood pressure.
Stress reduction and a healthy blood pressure are both heart healthy. Keep your eye on CBD because it may be a good addition to your heart healthy lifestyle to help you feel more calm and reduce stress.
From your friends here at Asé Pure Naturals, we wish you a happy heart every month!
