The Mayo Clinic’s Healthy Heart Plan + Healthier Life:  In Three Easy Steps

Eat 5 – How many servings of fruits and vegetables do you eat every day?  Five servings are recommended.  If you’re already eating this many, great!  If not, look in your refrigerator and pantry and see what kinds of fruits and vegetables you have on hand; it’s what you already eat, so start there.  Plan a day’s food using five servings of what you already have on hand, then add other fruits and vegetables you enjoy.

Move 10 – Your goal is to move actively with moderate intensity at least 30 minutes, six days of the week.  If you’re already there, wonderful!  If not, start with adding just 10 minutes of moderate physical activity daily; a brisk walk fits the bill.  Dancing, bicycling, swimming do, too.  Consider joining our exercise class this summer and learn other ways you can fit exercise into your daily activities.

Sleep 8 – Sleeping eight hours a night is a general guideline.  Aim for consistency in your nightly bedtime routine.  Create a quiet, dark, cool sleeping environment, turn off electronic devices, and limit stimulating drinks, products, and activities for at least an hour before bedtime.

Consider these three easy changes and start today to love your heart and take care of your body.  (Source:  Mayo Clinic Healthy Heart for Life!)