February is a month known for love and hearts, but not just the emoji kind of hearts. It’s also American Heart Month, which started in 1964. Do you know if you’re doing all you can to make your heart as strong as possible? Here are a few stats about heart health among Americans—and then a few tips to boost your heart health.
- Heart disease is the leading cause of death among men and women in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- One in three American adults has high blood pressure. Over time, high blood pressure can lead to heart trouble.
- About 1 in 5 heart attacks are silent. That means that someone has a heart attack but isn’t even aware of it.
- Heart disease costs the U.S. about $219 billion each year.
Heart-Healthy Tips for American Heart Month
1. Don’t smoke! You’ve heard it again, but it bears repeating. There’s help out there to quit. As dangerous as smoking can be for so many aspects of your health, there is a silver lining. Your body quickly reaps the benefits of quitting smoking. Even just a year after you stop smoking, your risk of heart disease is cut by 50%.
2. Get moving more. Federal guidelines recommend 150 minutes of moderate activity each week. That’s equal to 2½ hours a week, which you can divide up over several days a week. Whether it’s walking, swimming, biking, or something else entirely, find something you enjoy. Even small bursts of activity count toward your physical activity, so find little ways throughout the day to work in more movement.
3. Eat better. A heart-healthy diet includes:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Beans
- Lean meats and fish
- Whole grains
- Healthy fats, like olive oil
4. Find ways to better manage your stress. Stress is hard on your ticker, and it also can increase the chance of engaging in unhealthy habits like smoking and drinking—neither of which are good for your heart. Meditation, yoga, talk therapy, and setting aside regular time to do things you enjoy all go a long way toward stress management. dōTERRA has several oils you can use topically or in a diffuser to help promote stress relief, such as Serenity, Lavender, and Ylang-ylang.
5. Get better sleep. More than a third of Americans don’t get sufficient sleep most nights, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Are you among them? Most adults need to seven to eight hours a night. If you’re having trouble sleeping, set aside a time each night for a calming sleep routine. dōTERRA oils like Serenity, Lavender, Frankincense, and Roman Chamomile can all help make your sleep more restful. dōTERRA also has Serenity Restful Complex Softgels, which contain a combination of Lavender essential oil, L-theanine (an amino acid found in green tea), and plant extracts such as lemon balm, passionflower, and German chamomile. You’ll be zzzzing in no time.
For Better Wellness, Let dōTERRA Essential Oils and Supplements Help
For better wellness, let dōTERRA essential oils and supplements help. Frani Pisano is passionate about the power of dōTERRA essential oils and supplements and loves educating her customers around the globe. To discover more about how health coach Frani Pisano and how dōTERRA oils can help your life, visit her site, or contact her at frani@franipisano.com.