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With a new year around the corner, there’s no better time to put you and your loved one’s well-being and heart health first by learning more about the risks and strategies to protect your heart health.
Considering that nine in ten Canadians have at least one risk factor for heart disease and stroke, we should all be aware of the modifiable risk factors. Regular exercise, healthy eating and living smoke free can play a role in the prevention and/or management of obesity, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure, all linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, including heart valve disease.
Find your balance
The holidays are a joyful season that can also be busy, stressful, and difficult for many. It is important to remember that it’s okay to slow down, resist taking on commitments you don’t have to, schedule time to exercise and respect your limits and needs. Try to find a balance that’s right for you and prioritizes safe and responsible connections with your loved ones, while also taking the time to rest and relax in a way that supports your emotional and mental health. Support a healthy diet by offering to contribute a healthy dish you enjoy and want to share to your holiday host’s menu.
Monitor your health
When the season gets busy, many of our normal routines can fall by the wayside. Tracking and monitoring heart valve disease symptoms is just as important during the holidays as it is any other time of the year. To make this easy and convenient for you, download the symptom tracker that you can use to pay attention to how you’re feeling. And remember that it is important to seek medical attention if you notice a change in your symptoms or if they have worsened.
Be intentional about your new year
The holiday season is a great time to clear your mind and create space to think intentionally about the new year so you can begin January with a renewed sense of direction. Maybe this includes planning daily walks as exercise with a friend or meal planning. This is a great way to help maintain and protect your health, along with journaling your experience with heart valve disease. Whatever you’d like to see yourself strengthen or grow in for the new year, intentionally setting a plan to achieve those things is a great way to set your 2023 off on the right foot.
Thank you again for your continued support. We wish you all a very happy and healthy holiday season!