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It's St Valentine's Day and what better time to think of your heart health? The Heart Foundation of Southern Africa compiled the following tips:
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
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
- (Health24)
