February is American Heart Month, designed to raise awareness of heart disease, which is the leading cause of death among Americans. But we think every month is a good time to focus on your heart health!

Our team at AFC Urgent Care Spring Hill wants to talk to you about two ways you can reduce your risk of heart disease—maintaining a healthy weight and eating a heart-healthy diet.

How Much Does Being Overweight Raise Your Risk of Heart Disease?

Carrying excess weight causes your body, including your heart, to have to work harder to function. Your heart in particular is under strain as it tries to pump blood and oxygen throughout the body.

Being overweight or obese also impacts your heart disease risk by increasing your risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. All three are risk factors for heart disease.

Ways to Lose Weight

• Emphasize fruits and veggies in your diet.
• Choose lean proteins, including fatty fish.
• Get plenty of fiber in your diet.
• Eat slowly so you will know when you feel full.
• Exercise regularly at a heart-pumping intensity.
• Choose a blend of exercises, including cardio and strength training.

How Does Food Affect Your Heart?

What you eat plays a key role in your heart health. When your diet is filled with fatty, salty, sugary, processed foods, you are at a higher risk of the trifecta of heart disease risk factors—high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.

On the other hand, if you choose heart-healthy foods, you can decrease your risk. Model your eating habits after those in the Mediterranean. Fill your plate with fruits and veggies, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fat, like what’s found in fatty fish and olive oil.

Heart-Healthy Foods

• Leafy, green vegetables
• Whole grains
• Berries
• Avocados
• Fatty fish
• Walnuts
• Beans
• Dark chocolate

When you’re looking to improve your heart health, a checkup is a good place to begin! Visit AFC Urgent Care Spring Hill today—no appointment is needed.