Warmer Weather: Safeguard Your Heart This Summer
Summertime and the living is easy – but for your heart, the warmest season of the year
can be a challenge. Though higher temperatures tend to lower your blood pressure, the
heat and humidity can still cause problems for your heart.
As the thermometer heats up, we’ve partnered with the national Measure Up/Pressure
Down® high blood pressure campaign to give you tips for heart-healthy living this
summer:
Hydrate with healthy drinks. While a cold beer or soft drink sounds refreshing
when the sun is shining, they can be dehydrating. Consider healthier options such
as unsweetened iced tea, fruit smoothies, or non-alcoholic versions of your
favorite drinks.
Sweat under the sun. It only takes 30 minutes a day to lower your blood
pressure. With the snow melted, hit the outdoors for hiking, swimming, tennis, or
golf. When the heat or humidity is unbearable, opt for indoor activities like the
treadmill or yoga.
Refresh your diet with fresh produce. Many fruits and vegetables – from bell
peppers and blueberries to strawberries and sugar snap peas – are in-season
during the summer, meaning they’re often more fresh and affordable than other
times of year. Incorporate these healthy foods into summer recipes.
Tame travel-related stress. High levels of stress can lead to temporary but
dramatic increases in blood pressure. Traveling often triggers stress, particularly
when summer storms delay or cancel flights or your day at the waterpark is a
washout. Find ways to manage this stress – like meditation or laughter.
To measure, monitor, and maintain your blood pressure all year round and learn more
about this disease, please visit www.MeasureUpPressureDown.com.
Tags: bloodpressure, denver, healthyeating, measureup, newwestphysicians, pressuredown