February 10, 2025
Eight ways to improve heart health
Each February, we join our longstanding partner, the American Heart Association (AHA), in recognizing American Heart Month. While heart disease is the leading cause of death in the country, most cardiovascular diseases can be prevented. To help Texans lead the healthiest lives they can, we’re sharing tips from the AHA’s Life’s Essential 8TM to promote heart-healthy lifestyles.
According to the AHA, Life’s Essential 8TM are important steps for improving and maintaining cardiovascular health, which lowers the risk for heart disease, stroke and other major health problems.
- Eat better. A well balanced heart-healthy diet is one of the best defenses against heart disease.
- Be more active. It’s recommended that adults participate in 150 minutes of moderate activity or 75 minutes of vigorous physical activity each week.
- Quit tobacco. Make a plan to quit smoking, vaping and using tobacco products to significantly reduce your risk of heart disease.
- Get healthy sleep. Most adults need 7-9 hours of sleep per night to stay healthy and alert.
- Manage weight. Talk to your doctor about what healthy weight means for you and how you can best maintain or achieve it.
- Control cholesterol. Following your well-balanced diet, staying active and checking in with your doctor can help manage your cholesterol.
- Manage blood sugar. Limiting sugary foods and beverages and managing a healthy weight helps control blood sugar.
- Maintain a healthy blood pressure. Following the previous seven tips to keep your blood pressure in a normal range can keep you healthier.
Visiting your doctor for regular check-ups can help you reach these goals and maintain a healthy lifestyle. During the month of February, you can join the Go Red for Women initiative to help the AHA address the awareness and clinical care gaps in women’s cardiovascular health.
At Texas Mutual, we’re building a stronger, safer and healthier Texas by taking care of hardworking Texans. We encourage all employers to learn how safety and wellness go hand-in-hand and take steps to help employees invest in their health.