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Heart Health

Heart Health Tips

Keeping your heart healthy is important to live a longer, higher quality life. Many factors can cause heart disease. In fact, some people are more likely to get it just because their family members have it. But that doesn't mean you can't do anything about it! Below are examples of changes you can make to improve your heart health. 

Eat Well

  • Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight can increase your risk for heart disease. Find out how many calories you need each day and stick to it to prevent weight gain. 
  • Eat less salt: The goal for healthy folks is getting less than 2300 mg of sodium per day (talk to your doctor and Registered Dietitian if you have health issues that may change this). Adding less salt to your recipes is a an easy choice, but many foods such as canned soups, deli meats, and processed snacks are high in sodium, and you might not even realize it. Read labels to choose lower sodium foods. Always opt for "no added sodium" products and rinse canned beans and veggies before eating them. 
  • Eat less sugar: Many foods have extra sugar added to them. Soda, sweet tea, and other sugary drinks are some of the biggest sources of added sugar. Drinking 1 can (12oz) of soda each day adds up to 900 calories a week! Trade these for other tasty drinks that have less or no sugar.
  • Cook heart healthy recipes!  Make your recipes healthier for your heart with 5 simple tips! 
Eat Well for Heart Health

Move More

  • Exercise:  Aim for 30 minutes of moderate activity 5 days a week. Get started with our Exercise Tips. 
  • Get creative: Being more active doesn't mean you have to run or lift weights. Start with simple ways to burn 100 calories around the house.
  • Get involved: There are tons of free fitness activities all over CT. From pick up games at local rec centers to free yoga at the library, you have lots of options. Find a list of Free Health Events in CT here!
Move More for Heart Health

Cut the Unhealthy Habits

  • De-stress:  Stress over time can cause high blood pressure, putting more strain on your heart. Learning to manage stress can have whole body benefits (Exercise is a great way to do this!).
  • Limit tobacco: Tobacco can damage the heart and blood vessels. Cut out smoking and avoid exposing yourself to second-hand smoke to lower your risk. If you don't smoke, don't start! 
  • Limit alcohol:  Aim for no more than 1 drink for women and 2 drinks for men per day.
  • Check your blood pressure: High blood pressure can be very dangerous, especially if you don't realize you have it. Grocery stores and pharmacies offer free blood pressure readings. Get regular check-ups with your doctor as well, to make sure your heart health is monitored. 
Live Well for Heart Health
For more details, the American Heart Association offers lots of resources. You can even use their Heart Health Checker, and they'll tell you exactly where you could improve!

A Few Heart Healthy Recipes...

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​Fall Kale and Quinoa Salad

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​One Pan Pesto Chicken and Veggies

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​Meatless Dirty Rice


Have more questions? 
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​Husky Nutrition at UConn Health
195 Farmington Avenue, MC 6030
Farmington, CT 06032
​
​This information was funded by the USDA's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program - SNAP.
 
SNAP helps low-income people buy nutritious food for a better diet. To get more information contact the CT Department of Social Services at 1 855 626-6632 or www.CT.gov/dss.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.​
Nondiscrimination Statement
Aviso de No Discriminación
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SNAP-ED Event Calendar
© COPYRIGHT 2018. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
  • Home
  • Recipes
    • Recipe Categories >
      • Kid Friendly Recipes
      • No Added Sugar
      • Vegetarian Recipes
      • Heart Healthy Recipes
      • Five Ingredients or Less
      • Quick and Easy Recipes
    • Breakfast
    • Breads and Muffins
    • Desserts
    • Dips and Salsas
    • Drinks and Smoothies
    • Meatless Meals
    • Meals with Meat
    • Salads
    • Side Dishes
    • Snacks
    • Soups and Stews
    • Sodium Free Spice Blends
    • Recetas
  • Farmers Markets
    • Find a Farmers Market
    • CT Crop Calendar
    • Using SNAP/EBT at Farmers Markets
  • Education
    • Healthy Eating >
      • MyPlate
      • Understanding The Nutrition Label
      • Added Sugar
      • Healthy Snacking Tips
      • Calories Needed Each Day
      • What is "enough" fruits and vegetables
      • Recipe Videos
    • Budget Shopping >
      • Healthy Shopping on a Budget
      • What Can $16 Buy?
      • Budget Pantry
    • Diabetes >
      • Healthy Eating with Diabetes
      • "Diabetes-Friendly" Recipe Guide
    • Heart Health
    • Exercise Tips
    • Physical Literacy
    • Water First for Your Thirst
  • SNAP4CT Blog
  • Resources
    • DSS Offices and SNAP Help
    • FAQ
    • Free Health Events in CT
    • Organizations
    • SNAP-Ed Events Calendar
    • Healthy Food Pantry Donations