Daily Activities for a Healthier Heart

While you’re putting together your Valentine’s Day treats take a moment to consider what you can do for your own heart. February is American Heart Month, and we’re here to help you make the most of it. Let’s take a look at why it’s important for kids to understand heart health, ways you can improve your cardiovascular system and how teachers at Pro-Vision Academy are setting a healthy example for students.

Why Heart Health Matters at Every Age

Most of us think of heart health as an issue for older adults. While heart issues increase as we get older, having a healthy ticker is essential for people of all ages. Practicing healthy heart habits when you’re young is important because it can help prevent cardiovascular disease later on.

We’re born with healthy hearts, and each day can influence our heart health. Childhood obesity in particular is causing cardiovascular concerns among health officials. From diet to stress to exercise, when kids focus on making healthy lifestyle choices at a young age they are more likely to do the same as they get older. This is the idea behind theAmerican Heart Association’s great overview of 7 ways kids can learn to care for their cardiovascular system.

Top Ways to Strengthen Your Heart

At every age you can take better care of your heart by practicing the four steps below:

Stay Positive

When you’re happier and positive your health naturally improves. Researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health looked at hundreds of studies and found that positive thinking helps reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke.

Reduce Stress

Stress can lead to all kinds of heart-related problems, including raising blood pressure and damaging artery walls. Each day try to work in at least 10-20 minutes of relaxation. Even better, take stress breaks throughout the day.

Eat Heart Healthy Foods

Did you know your stomach is directly related to heart health? The food you consume can either strengthen or weaken your cardiovascular system. Heart healthy foods to work into your diet include:

• Salmon and other fish that are high in Omega-3
• Whole grains
• Fiber-rich beans
• Lean protein
• Vegetables, especially dark leafy greens
• Fruit
• Nuts and seeds

Work Out Your Heart

Your heart is arguably the most important muscle in your body. Build up its strength by getting your heart beating a little faster with 2.5 hours of moderate cardio or aerobic activity a week.

How the Pro-Vision Faculty is Working on Heart Health

The faculty of Pro-Vision Academy Charter School are all about providing a good example for their students to follow. With that in mind, here are a few ways we’re working on having healthier hearts this month.

• Ms. D. Seifert’s Heart Health Goal – Working out
• Ms. J. Ferguson’s Heart Health Goal – Workout daily for 45 – 60 minutes
• Coach Gillis’ Heart Health Goal – Run three times a week and eat Honey Nut Cheerios for breakfast
• Coach Willis’ Heart Health Goal – Walk his dog three times a day
• Principal Williams’ Heart Health Goal – Drink more water and exercise

What are you going to do to for your heart this February? Reduce your stress levels by volunteering at Pro-Vision Academy or stop by the Urban Farm to see what healthy food options are in season!

Original source: http://www.provision-inc.org/healthy-diet/daily-activities-for-a-healthier-heart/