Health Is Where the Heart Is
It’s only right that we dedicate a month every year to the celebration of hearts. In honor of this magnificent muscle, here are four core habits to help you take good care of your heart. Your heart will return the affection by helping you be healthy, active and independent.
1. Eat a diet that’s low in fat and high in fresh fruits and vegetables. A nutritious diet is one of the best gifts you can give your heart all year long.
What you can do now: Have some Valentine’s fun with your diet this month by working in as many foods as possible that are fresh, healthy and RED: tomatoes, apples, strawberries, raspberries, beets, pomegranates, cherries, radishes, rhubarb, cranberries and the red varieties of onions, cabbage, grapefruit, grapes and potatoes— you get the idea!
2. Go for the preventive tests, screenings, check-ups and other regular medical care recommended by your doctor. You may feel fine--but skip an important screening and you may be missing the chance to catch a potential heart problem or something else that could put your heart in danger.
What you can do now: Make your appointments for the year for your annual wellness exam, preventive care, screenings and other needed care. Not sure what you’re due for? Find your personalized Health Check Record in your SCAN online member account.
3. Don’t let stress get to you—or your heart. When you’re stressed out, your heart must work even harder than usual. Stress can also cause the heart’s arteries to become blocked. This will increase the burden on your heart.
What you can do now: Be grateful. It can help make many of life’s stresses easier to bear and do your heart good. Take time to appreciate and nurture your positive relationships with loved ones. Your four-legged, furry loved ones count, too! Helping others can also be good for the heart. Visit an animal shelter, volunteer at a hospital or help serve meals at a homeless shelter. There are so many opportunities to love and feel loved.
4. Move every day. You don’t need Valentine’s Day to get your heart to go “pitter pat.” Even just a few minutes of exercise a day will get your heart pumping.
What you can do now: Try this “heart art” exercise:
- Sit in a chair with your legs and arms wide. Place your hands on your shoulders.
- Slowly stand up while lifting the pointer finger of each hand high above your head and together.
- Finish “drawing” a heart by bringing your arms and pointed fingers open wide and then down to the center in front of you as you lower back into the chair seat. Try to touch the ground if you can.
- Sit up and give yourself a hug for doing something good for your heart. Then repeat!
If you have don’t have a Medicare Advantage plan, look at the comprehensive coverage, award-winning service and extensive network of caring physicians offered by SCAN Health Plan.
