Do you want to take steps to protect your heart but are not sure where to start? You can work with your healthcare provider to make a plan.
The medical providers at Carolina Specialty Care can help by:
- Checking your blood pressure and cholesterol numbers — and teaching you how to check your numbers at home.
- Sharing advice for healthy eating and physical activity.
- Supporting you in other heart-healthy changes, like quitting smoking.
- Connecting you with specialists to treat heart problems and other conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and chronic pain that may be keeping you from being active.
- Prescribing medicines if you need them.
If you haven’t been keeping up with regular doctor visits, you’re not alone. Many people have postponed doctor visits during the COVID-19 pandemic. But now’s the time to get back on track! Don’t wait — schedule an appointment today.
Eating well and exercising are also keys to better heart health. And when you’re active, it’s easier to keep doing all the things you love — like traveling, seeing friends, and playing with your grandkids.
Try these tips to get more active:
- Start with just 5 minutes. If you haven’t been active lately, start slow and go at your own pace. Even 5 minutes of activity a day has real health benefits, and you can build up to more over time.
- Walk more. Walking is a great way to start being active. Try fitting in a short walk in the morning or after dinner.
- Get moving while you get things done. Active chores like gardening, vacuuming, washing the car, and raking leaves all count as physical activity.
- Find an activity buddy. Physical activity can be more fun with other people! Try a group activity class at your local rec center or invite a friend to go for a walk with you.
Always check in with your provider before making any major changes, like starting a new exercise program. The entire team at Carolina Specialty Care is dedicated to helping you feel your best this year!
Sources: Centers for Disease Control, American Heart Association
View the original post on the Carolina Specialty Care website.
