As we approach a new year, many of us are inspired to make positive changes. Dr. Mason Weiss, a leading Los Angeles cardiologist, shares six key resolutions for a healthier heart that can significantly improve your well-being.
1. **Manage Stress:** Dedicate time each day to relaxation and mindfulness. Avoid getting bogged down in minor details and remember to listen to your body’s signals to prevent burnout.
2. **Quit Smoking:** Eliminating smoking is crucial for heart health. Seek support and explore resources to help you quit.
3. **Adopt a Healthier Diet:** Incorporate nutritious foods into your daily meals. Opt for low-fat dairy, healthy snacks like baby carrots or cherry tomatoes, and include fish in your dinner routine twice a week. Add a green vegetable to each evening meal. If you’re overweight, tracking your weight daily can help monitor progress.
4. **Control Blood Pressure:** Monitor and manage your blood pressure effectively. Reduce your salt intake, take prescribed medications regularly, and keep a record of your morning blood pressure readings to discuss with your doctor.
5. **Lower Cholesterol:** Understand your LDL (“bad” cholesterol) and HDL (“good” cholesterol) levels. Adhere to a heart-healthy, low-cholesterol diet and take prescribed medications as directed.
6. **Regular Exercise:** Even small amounts of consistent exercise can provide substantial benefits for your heart. Find an activity that fits seamlessly into your daily life, such as walking 2-3 miles each morning.
Dr. Mason Weiss is a triple board-certified physician in internal medicine, general cardiology, and interventional cardiology with 23 years of experience. He is a partner at APEX Cardiology, located at 501 East Hardy Street, Suite 200, Inglewood, California 90301. They can be reached at (310) 672-3900. Wishing you happy holidays and a healthy New Year!