It’s no surprise that during the season of love our heart gets some well-deserved recognition. Everybody’s got one, but how do we keep it pumping so we can live our best lives? Here are some tips on how to protect your internal machinery.
Get Moving and Grooving
Find your fitness style of choice and get consistent! The American Heart Association recommends two and a half hours of moderate exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise weekly, and 60 minutes daily for kids.1 Whether it be walking, dancing, boxing, or yoga, make sure to prioritize movement.
Don’t know where to start? Check out Mecka Fitness in Mt. Lebanon or the Strip District for a comprehensive workout.,
Ditch the Sticks
It’s 2023; there’s no more “ignorance is bliss.” By now, we’re all well aware of the consequences of smoking and vaping. We know inhaling tens of thousands of chemicals causes organ damage. So grab a pack of gum, take a walk, find your happiness replacement, or join a community for extra support! Our very own UPMC Passavant has a Stop Smoking Program for Pittsburghers.
Sleep is King
More and more studies continue to surface echoing the importance of rest time. We know to strive for 7-9 hours but more critical than the duration is the quality. Experimenting with eye masks, dehumidifiers, satin pillowcases, white noise machines, oil diffusers, black-out curtains, and therapeutic pillows may be the path to a better snooze. I invested in a tempurpedic mattress from Mattress Warehouse a few years back; it has changed my sleep game infinitely.
Snaps for Salmon
This nutrient packed fish is well known for a reason. Salmon’s high content of Omega-3 fatty acids has tremendous health benefits for the heart. Opt for Sockeye Salmon where available, out of all of its Salmon cousins, it has the highest nutrient value. Luke Wholey’s Grilled Alaskan Sockeye Salmon leaves us licking the plate.
Zen in 10
Meditation has been around for centuries and continues to live on as one of the best kept secrets of ultra successful celebrities. The practice requires one to be present and focus on nothing but the breath. Slowing your breathing down in turn lowers your blood pressure. Reducing the risk of high blood pressure keeps you in a better position to avoid cardiovascular disease. Fitness boutique SWEATPGH in Upper St. Clair offers a class “Movement and Meditation” which combines low-impact, high energy workouts with pauses for reflection and breathwork. Reach out to the studio to book your class!
