Adulthood is a time for many changes. For some of us, it’s a time to start a family. For others, it’s a time to focus on our careers. And for all of us, it’s one of the most important times to pay more attention to our health and wellness.
Health is Wealth
As we age, our bodies go through changes that can impact our health. We may not be able to eat the same way we did when we were younger, or we may need to start exercising more. We may also need to pay more attention to our mental health, as stress and anxiety can take a toll on our bodies. But by making small changes to our lifestyles, we can help keep ourselves healthy and happy well into adulthood.
Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to stay healthy and active as an adult. Here are some tips to get started!
1. Eat a healthy diet:
According to some sources, eating healthy is one of the best things you can do for your heart health. Focus on eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. Avoid processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive amounts of saturated and unhealthy fats. There are a few online resources to follow if you are having issues deciding how to begin.
2. Get active:
Regular physical activity is great for your heart health. Adults should aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week. You can break this up into smaller chunks of time if needed – 10 minutes here and there adds up! Walking, biking, swimming, and light weightlifting are all excellent options. If you don’t know where to start, FAST Performance has you covered!
3. Don’t smoke:
With modern information, many people know smoking is extremely harmful to your heart health. If you smoke, quitting is one of the best things you can do for your health. There are many resources available to help you quit, so don’t hesitate to reach out for help.
4. Limit alcohol:
Drinking alcohol in moderation can actually be good for your heart health. But, it’s important not to overdo it. According to a Havard study, there is a debate between alcohol researchers about the ins and outs about alcohol moderations and portions, but they do not negate the research that shows a benefit in small consumption. Health.gov recommends, for healthy adults, no more than one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.
Don’t Forget
Heart health is important at any age. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 697,000 people die from heart disease in the United States every year—that’s 1 in every 5 deaths. And, while many risk factors for heart disease are out of our control—including family history and age—there are some things we can do to reduce our risk. For example, quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and exercising regularly can all help keep our hearts healthy. Additionally, eating a heart-healthy diet is crucial. By following these tips, we can help keep our hearts healthy and strong for years to come!
