5 Ways to Get Heart Healthy For American Heart Month

February is American Heart Month and there’s no better time to focus on our cardiac health. We’ve been delivering Elsie-sized smiles for over 150 years, and we want to ensure you keep smiling for many more years with these tips!

Pack your Diet with heart-healthy foods.

Incorporating heart-healthy food like dairy products into your diet can help you get the right nutrients and minerals to keep your heart healthy. Dairy is a great source of calcium, potassium, and Vitamin D – all essential ingredients to support the health of your heart. Borden’s Vitamin D Whole Milk gives you extra protein to fuel your day, and our Low Fat Cottage Cheese is a great source of calcium and protein.

Exercise most days of the week for at least 30 minutes

Taking part in regular physical activity has many benefits for cardiac health. 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise at least five days a week can help keep your blood pressure and cholesterol levels in check and reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

Reduce sodium intake.

High sodium levels in your diet can cause water retention, which can increase blood pressure and thus your risk for stroke or heart attack. Eating fewer processed foods and adding more fresh fruits, veggies, whole grains, poultry, and seafood can help you reduce salt without sacrificing flavor. Try a heart-healthy recipe like Elsie’s Homemade Low-Fat Granola Bowl!  

Get enough sleep.

Getting the right amount of sleep is essential for maintaining a healthy heart. Research has found that inadequate rest can lead to increased blood pressure and increased chances of stroke and heart attack. That’s why having 7 to 9 hours of quality sleep each night is recommended for proper health maintenance. These necessary hours of restful slumber allow your body to recuperate and recharge after a physically demanding day, sustaining a healthy heart and benefitting your entire circulatory system. Furthermore, getting enough quality sleep keeps you more alert; making everyday tasks less stressful and giving your life more energy and direction.

Make time to manage stress.

Stress can have a big impact on our cardiovascular system. Prolonged stress increases inflammation, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke. Taking time each day to relax and manage stress is critical to staying heart healthy. Ensure you get enough sleep, engage in physical activity, eat healthy foods, and spend time with friends and family. Taking a few moments out of your day to practice mindfulness or meditation can help reduce stress levels and promote overall emotional well-being.

Stay Heart Healthy!

We hope these tips will help you make the right choices to maintain your cardiac health. At Borden, we’re dedicated to helping you make healthy choices while enjoying our delicious products. So keep your heart healthy with Borden Dairy! Happy American Heart Month!