In this month of hearts, let us all be reminded about the best ways we can achieve a heart-healthy lifestyle.

And it bears repeating. Much as the tips may sound repetitive, nevertheless, they could save your hearts and your lives one day. 

As all cardiologists are wont to say, follow the tenets of good health to ensure a better quality of life.

To help prevent heart problems, you can go over this checklist and follow the recommended regimen:

•Healthy eating tops the list. 

•Adopt a more active lifestyle. Exercise regularly.

•Quit any bad habits such as smoking.

•Stay away from second-hand smoke. Avoid it completely.

•Maintain a healthy weight.

•Drink alcohol in moderation. No to alcohol bingeing. 

•Maintain a healthy blood sugar level. Limit your intake of sugar.

•See an endocrinologist and check your hormone levels. 

•Manage your stress levels. Practice stress management. Learn how to meditate.

•Engage in mind-body exercises like tai chi, qi-gong, yoga etc.

Who is at risk?

There are risk factors we have to take into consideration such as:

•Genetics. Do you have a family history of heart disease?

•Are you diabetic? Too much sugar in the blood can affect your heart. 

•Are you obese or overweight?

•Do you eat healthy? Are you fond of eating vegetables?

•Do you exercise?

•Do you have quiet, meditation time?

The heart-friendly lifestyle

1. Every morning, take two glasses of lukewarm water. Hydrate. Take 10-12 glasses of water daily. The heart is a muscle and it requires hydration.

2. Have a glass of freshly made vegetable juice.

3. Drink your favorite power drink like Organique acai berry (www.organique.com.ph). You may also include it in your chosen protein shake. 

4. Exercise. Thirty minutes of brisk walking or gym time is recommended. 

5. Avoid sitting for too long. If you are sitting most of the time, get up every 20 minutes for a stretch and walk. 

6. Don’t stress at work. 

7. Every three hours take a deep breath and do your breathing exercises. 

8. Calm the mind in the morning. But remember to unwind a burdened mind and tired body at the end of the day.

9. Have an executive checkup once yearly. 

10. Practice mind and emotional control over every stressful situation. 

11. Embrace gratitude. Be grateful for every day in your life.

Affirmation: “My heart is brave and strong.”

Love and light.