5 Ways to Protect Your Heart This World Heart Day
A healthy heart is imperative for healthy living. According to the World Heart Federation, heart problems are the leading cause of death across the world. It is responsible for claiming 17.9 million lives each year according to the reports of 2016. In India, the condition is alarming with Cardiovascular Diseases (CVD) being recorded as the major cause of mortality. Data and statistics show nearly 80 per cent of all premature deaths related to cardiovascular diseases are triggered through physical inactivity, unhealthy diet, lifestyle choices, consumption of tobacco and most important unpreparedness towards risk factors.
Adopt a healthy lifestyle – Lifestyle changes accommodate majority factors to ensure a healthier life. Regular exercise is vital for a happy mind and a healthy body. In today’s sedentary lifestyle, it is important to be conscious of one’s body requirements. Consumption of fluids, water, fibrous fruits, leafy vegetables and proper sleep are important factors to achieve a healthy heart. The right balance between work and leisure helps in stress management, which, in the 21st century has taken a superior position in determining one’s health.
Eat healthy – Consumption of processed food not only impacts the changing lifestyle but also contributes to increasing the chances of heart diseases. Including healthy food and an adequate amount of nutrients in the diet can protect heart diseases. Therefore, ensure enough intake of green and leafy vegetables, fibre-rich whole grains, fatty fish (salmon, sardines etc.), nuts, and exclude sugar and aerated drinks from the diet, and replace sweetened beverages with water. Minimise the intake of processed foods, refined flour, and red meat for a healthy heart.
Better stress management –Various studies have proved that stress is one of the biggest factors leading to heart diseases. Increasing occupational pressure, hectic schedules and lack of rest increases risk factors. In today’s times, it is imperative to ensure mental peace. Picking up a passion or hobby aids in relaxation. Attaining a good work-life balance helps one stay positive and focus on the larger aspects of life like leading a quality life, attainment of personal goals, and self-actualisation.
Regular check-up – Getting regular health check-ups is essential in today’s world due to the increasing pollution level, leading to health hazards. Start in a simple way by regularly examining the blood pressure and cholesterol levels. One way of being a Heart Hero is to check if your heart is as young as you, with the help of Aviva Heart Age Calculator which tells the actual age of your heart in few simple steps.
Being financially secured- Adequate and timely Financial Planning is another factor that one should consider as pivotal to attain a healthy and secure future. In simple terms, every individual needs to invest to protect oneself from medical exigencies. The skyrocketing hospital charges fall heavily on one, and in times of need, the availability of funds in such scenarios can be the very thing that makes all the difference. It is suggested to be futuristic in picking investment options. One should look for a comprehensive health insurance plan for all critical illness to secure oneself from an emergency. Aviva Heart Care is one such plan which offers coverage against 19 mild, moderate, and severe cardiovascular conditions, and procedures and allows lump-sum pay-out irrespective of the cost of treatment. The most attractive feature of this plan is that it comes with the option to cover 2 hearts (you and your spouse) at just a small incremental increase in the premium.
As we celebrate World Heart Day, let’s make a promise to be a Heart Hero to friends, family, and our loved ones, and pledge to keep the heart healthy and protected.
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