How to keep your heart healthy

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By shellsellswell
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keep your heart healthy

Millions of people around the world have succumbed to heart disease. These are just some of the ways we can reduce the risks by keeping our hearts healthy.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Start talking to your doctor now to see if you are at risk and what you can do to decrease that risk and maximize good health. Check your blood sugar and blood pressure levels. Many hospitals host free screenings that won't cost you anything. The best way to combat this disease is to know where you stand.
Step 2

Smoke only one cigarette per day and you triple your risk for heart disease. Smoking is bad for your entire body, so quitting is your best option if you have plans to live a long life. There's nothing good to be said about smoking, so please speak with your doctor about a plan to withdraw.
Step 3

Make it a habit to floss daily as flossing helps to prevent gum disease which is known to cause the arteries to thicken. Dental floss now comes in a variety of form. Find one that's easier to use than the traditional string. Maybe that will make flossing more fun.
Step 4

You should be getting a minimum of eight straight hours of sleep everyday. Depriving your body of the rest it needs puts a strain on the heart and doubles your risk for heart disease.
Step 5

Sexually transmitted diseases can cause an unhealthy heart. They cause chemical changes to your body, which can lead to clots and cholesterol build up. This doesn't mean you can't have a little fun; if you have more than one sex partner, or if there's a possibility your spouse may have other sex partners, it's best you use a condom.
Step 6

Exercise as much as possible. Walking only 15 to 20 minutes per day cuts your risk for a heart attack in half. Not only is exercising good for the heart, but it has many positive effects on your mental health and your general health.
Step 7

Stop stressing. My doctor told me that stress restricts blood flow, since it makes the blood vessels stiff. I know this can be a tough one as I struggled with stress myself. What has helped me is volunteering at the local women's center in my town. Giving back makes me feel better when I am stressed. No worries makes for a better heart.
Step 8

Drink more water as it prevents your blood from thickening. Not only is water good for your heart, but your kidneys and overall health could really benefit from a drink of water. Never drink soda and stay away from sugar filled juices. This can cut your risk of heart attack significantly.
Step 9

Hug as many people as you can on a daily basis. Think good thoughts filled with love as this improves your mood and the health of your heart. Even if you're not a risk, you could be helping the people you hug as the may be at risk.