Father’s Day 2024: 7 Heart-Healthy Lifestyle Tips For Your Dad (Image Credits: iStock)
As our parents age, their health becomes an increasing priority, and one of the most critical areas to focus on is heart health. As per research, heart disease continues to remain a leading cause of death worldwide. However, the good news is that many risk factors associated with heart disease can be effectively managed through lifestyle choices. To know how we can keep our father’s heart health in check, we got in touch with Dr Sanjeev Chaudhary, Clinical Director – Cardiology, Marengo Asia Hospital, Gurugram who shares some heart-healthy lifestyle tips to help keep your dad’s heart in top condition.
7 Heart-Healthy Lifestyle Tips For Your Dad
1. Balanced Diet
Dr Sanjeev Chaudhary shares a nutritious diet is fundamental to heart health. Encourage your dad to eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, flaxseeds, and walnuts, are particularly beneficial for heart health. Reducing salt intake can help manage blood pressure, and opting for low-fat or fat-free dairy products can reduce cholesterol levels. Processed foods, sugary beverages, and excessive red meat should be limited to prevent weight gain and high cholesterol.
2. Regular Physical Activity
Dr Sanjeev Chaudhary explains exercise is one of the best ways to keep the heart healthy. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity per week. Walking, swimming, cycling, or even gardening can be great ways for your dad to stay active. Strength training exercises at least twice a week can also help maintain muscle mass and support metabolic health.
3. Maintain a Healthy Weight
Dr Sanjeev Chaudhary shares that keeping a healthy weight is crucial for heart health. Excess weight, especially around the abdomen, can increase the risk of heart disease. A combination of a balanced diet and regular exercise is the most effective way to achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Encourage your dad to set realistic weight loss goals if needed and to make gradual, sustainable changes rather than following extreme diets.
4. Monitor Blood Pressure and Cholesterol
Dr Sanjeev Chaudhary explains that regular health check-ups are essential for early detection and management of heart disease risk factors. Encourage your dad to monitor his blood pressure and cholesterol levels. High blood pressure (hypertension) and high cholesterol can damage the heart and blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke. Medications, if prescribed, should be taken as directed by a healthcare professional.
5. Quit Smoking and Limit Alcohol
Dr Sanjeev Chaudhary shares that smoking is a significant risk factor for heart disease. If your dad smokes, support him in quitting. Numerous resources, including counselling and medications, can aid in smoking cessation. Further, excessive drinking can lead to high blood pressure, heart failure, and even stroke. Encourage your dad to limit alcohol intake.
6. Manage Stress
Dr Sanjeev Chaudhary explains chronic stress can negatively impact heart health. Encourage your dad to find healthy ways to manage stress, such as through regular physical activity, mindfulness practices like meditation or yoga, hobbies, and spending time with family and friends. Adequate sleep is also crucial for stress management and overall health.
7. Stay Informed and Engaged
Dr Sanjeev Chaudhary shares that staying informed about heart health and engaging in regular medical check-ups can help your dad make informed decisions about his health. Encourage him to talk to his doctor about his heart health, attend health seminars, and read up on the latest heart health tips.
Source link
