Here at Matthews Internal Medicine, we don’t just want to help our patients when they’re sick. We want to help our patients avoid diseases in the first place. That’s why we focus on preventative medicine, including heart disease prevention. Heart disease is one of the biggest killers in the United States, for men and women, so fighting back against it should be a priority for everyone. Fortunately, there are some everyday habits that can actually help you prevent heart disease.
Avoid Tobacco
Most people have realized by now that smoking can cause cancer. What some may not realize is that it can also contribute to the development of heart disease. Avoiding tobacco is one of the best steps you can take in your heart disease prevention efforts. This means avoiding the occasional cigar and second hand smoke as well. Second hand smoke can contain just as many additives that contribute to heart problems later in life.
Maintain A Healthy Weight
Maintaining a healthy weight is another great way to avoid heart disease. Excess weight can put more stress on your heart, and the unhealthy diet that caused you to gain weight could also be weakening your body and making you more susceptible to disease. Switching to a healthier diet is one part of getting back down to a healthier weight. Change up your meal plans by getting rid of high sodium foods and unhealthy fats, replacing them with low fat protein sources and whole grains. Some small changes to your diet can make a big difference.
Stay Active
Of course, another way to get back to a healthier weight is by staying active. Moving around and exercising is just great for your overall heart health. Get to the gym to lift weights, start doing some cardio, or just go for a walk around the block. Every little bit helps, and doing whatever physical activity you’re capable of can help you avoid heart disease. Our weight management experts can also help answer any questions you have about diet or exercise.
Reduce Stress
Stress can be another cause of disease and other heart problems. If you’re stressed out at work or due to another unavoidable situation, experiment with stress reduction techniques like meditation. Exercise can also help you become less stressed, so you can actually tackle stress as you try to achieve your weight loss goals. We also suggest you drop any kind of stressful activities from your life. Social media, for example, can provide more stress than fun for some.
Visit Your Doctor Regularly
Of course, visiting your doctor regularly is one of the best ways to fight back against heart disease. We can monitor you for changes, like higher blood pressure or weight gain, that could be indicative of larger problems. We can also help you stay on track with a weight management or smoking cessation program. Whatever your medical history or personal situation, you know that the physicians at Matthews Internal Medicine are ready to spot early signs of heart disease. Your healthier lifestyle and the fight against heart disease begins at our practice.