Issue link: https://blog.providence.org/i/1450269
Health Matters: Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana Medical Center | 5 I f you're lucky enough to be the proud owner of a healthy heart right now, you probably don't think too much about it. But especially as you get older it's wise to pay more attention to the everyday habits that can either raise or lower your risk for heart disease. It helps to remember that, except for genetics, the risk factors, which include high blood pressure and cholesterol, diabetes, obesity and tobacco use, are all modifiable, and it's never too soon—or too late—to work on controlling them. For insights into the lifestyle practices that can help keep your heart healthy, we spoke with Benjamin Simon, MD, director of cardiovascular services at Providence Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Tarzana. Here are his practical, easy-to-adopt suggestions for diet, exercise, stress relief and more. SIT LESS, MOVE MORE Being sedentary is a proven risk factor for heart disease, so build exercise into your everyday life. Activity helps control your weight, blood pressure, and insulin and cholesterol levels, so it is crucial for your heart's health. The good news is that there is no single "best" type of exercise; the ideal kind for you is whatever you will do regularly, so find an activity that you enjoy. But whether it's walking, running, cycling, swimming or something else, it's important to get your heart rate up. Combine aerobic, or cardio, exercises like those with weight training or other activitiies that build muscle and strength. Remember to stretch before and after your workouts to increase flexibility and help prevent injury. Using a fitness tracker can help you monitor your progress and motivate you to compete with yourself. Also combine exercise with being social—having a walking buddy or a gym partner can help keep you motivated and make exercising more enjoyable. Words to remember: When you're exercising, always use common sense and listen to your body. If something feels too hard or just not right, such as chest pain or breathlessness, slow down or stop. The Healthy-Heart Lifestyle Keeping your ticker in tip-top shape can be easier than you think if you follow this leading cardiologist's advice.