It's a new year and time to make a few changes. Take the following New Year's resolutions, compiled by the Heart Foundation of Southern Africa, to heart:
1. Stop smoking for the sake of your children
A child growing up in a smoker's household has inhaled 102 packs by his 5th birthday
Seven million South Africans smoke, 80% have tried to quit smoking at least once, and 90% started smoking before the age of 18
Smoking is the single greatest cause of heart disease
Smoking inhibits the flow of blood to the heart
Advertisement
2. Eat a wide variety of food and everything in moderation
Limit fat, sugar and salt intake
Boost fibre intake and aim for five servings of fruit and vegetables a day
Don't skip breakfast – it's the most important meal of the day
3. Aim for your ideal weight but don't lose more than 1 kg per week
50% of South Africans are overweight
Being overweight puts undue strain on the heart
Avoid quick-fix fad diets
4. Get active – get breathless, but not speechless
Aim to do a total of 30 minutes of physical activity per day
Don't overdo it - you should be conscious of your breathing but still be able to hold a conversation
5. Get tested for the silent killers
There are no visible symptoms for high blood pressure and high cholesterol – you need to get tested
A third of all South Africans are at risk of heart disease
Bookmark with:
What are social bookmarks?