Our health is important.  You can definitely be an active participant in your journey to a healthier life.  In February, the American Heart Association spotlights on heart disease to raise awareness to the number one health risk in our country. 

Let’s face it, your heart is an amazing thing.  It keeps all the systems of the body going, beating day in and day out, pumping blood 24/7.  Oxygen and nutrient rich blood is delivered to our bodies organs and tissues—it then carries away waste.  Your heart carries out all of its work and relies on its own electrical system to do so.  

Overall, we can help our hearts by taking care of our bodies.  Everyday actions to keep you healthy include: 

Eat well – Eat a balanced and healthy diet.  Avoid fats, sugars, alcohol and caffeine.  Eat whole foods, not processed foods.  Don’t overeat.  Keeping a healthy body weight goes hand in hand with good health.

Get moving and keep moving – Not only does exercise help you burn calories, it is a great way to reduce stress.  Whether you walk, do yoga or chair exercises, exercise is great for you.

Get enough sleep – Sleep struggles affect many things, our mood and heart health among them.  It can be a vicious cycle when we lose sleep and then feel tired, cranky and unwell from lack of sleep.  Try some relaxation techniques, minimize alcohol and caffeine intake, limit screen time and go to bed at the same time each night.  Good sleep is a building block to good health. 

Keeping a positive attitude helps too.  Many things we just can’t control.  Knowing what we can control is a great way to help manage our own health.  All of the things mentioned above contribute to a healthier you. 

Happy New Year from the nursing team at Copperfield Hill! 

~Olivia Caspers, RN, BSN