6 Tips for Women and Their Heart Health

As women, we spend so much time taking care of others and don’t always put ourselves first, but we should! February is American Heart Month, and today on The Lash Lounge blog we’re sharing 6 Tips for Women and Their Heart Health. After all, a healthy heart is a happy heart.

1.Make Healthier Choices 

When life gets busy, we tend to grab what’s convenient, which is fine – but is it healthy? When you choose to live a heart healthy life style, you don’t have to go on a crazy diet, you simply need to discover healthier choices that will make the transition from unhealthy to healthy a little easier. When you’re making your kids lunch, make a heart healthy snack for yourself, that way it will be ready for you to grab and go.

2. Pay Attention To Your Body 

Don’t underestimate unusual feelings or symptoms you may be having.  Chest pain, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, a dry cough, anxiety,  and other symptoms can be signs you need to pay attention to and may be pointing to heart disease.

3. Get Moving! 

We can all take at least 30 minutes a day, right? Taking half an hour of moderate exercise for 5 days each week is good for your heart. Any activity that gets you moving and breaking a little sweat is good. And it’s also a good idea to get in the habit of breaking up long periods of sitting, whether at your desk, at work or at home watching tv. Get up and move here and there, your heart will thank you! Here are some ideas on how to be more active throughout your day.

4. Reduce Stress

We know this one is easier said than done, but whether it’s through exercise, meditation, treating yourself to a massage or simply taking some ‘me time’ – do something for YOU. Whatever it is that helps you de-stress, do it! Stress is not good for the heart, or any part of our body for that matter. Even if it’s just 10 minutes out of your day, do something to lower those stress levels. (Our client’s love their lash naps and use that as their de-stressing ‘me time’!)

5. Get Your Rest 

Did you know that a full night’s sleep is important for the health of your heart? Well, it is! According to WebMD, one study showed that  young and middle-age adults who slept at least 7 hours a night had less calcium in their arteries (an early sign of heart disease) than those who slept 5 hours or less or those who slept 9 hours or more. And it needs to be quality sleep. Adults who get a true, good night’s sleep have healthier arteries than those who do not sleep well. Cick here for 10 tips to get more sleep!

6. Schedule Regular Check-Ups 

Again, as women we’re always caring for others before ourselves, but how can we take care of others if we don’t take care of ourselves? Getting your annual check-up gives you a chance to talk to your doctor about any concerns or symptoms and make sure you’re on the right track with your health. So next time your making an appointment for someone in your family, ask yourself, “Am I due for a check-up?” and if the answer is yes, schedule it ASAP!