February is American Heart Month, and at Cange Podiatry, DPM, PA we think it’s a good time to focus on some lifestyle changes that can improve your heart and your podiatric health. We believe in a total body approach to your foot and ankle health care and lowering your risk of heart disease can go a long way to helping you live a long and active life. Below are some steps to take now to be heart healthy.
Be informed. Before you know what to improve, you need to know where you are. Talk to your doctors about your health and learn about your risk for heart disease. Know your blood pressure and cholesterol numbers and whether they are in an acceptable range. Heart disease is associated with other diseases such as hypertension and diabetes. These can cause circulation and other issues for your feet. If you have any of these conditions or are at high risk for them, discuss proactive options with our podiatrist, Dr. Darlyne Cange.
Stay active. Regular physical activity has a number of benefits:
Helps you maintain a healthy weight
Improves circulation
Can help lower blood pressure and blood sugar
Eat Healthy. Your diet plays a big role in the health of your heart and your feet. Being overweight or obese increases your risk and the severity of several podiatric disorders such as flat feet, plantar fasciitis, and arthritis. Instead of a total diet makeover, try some of these easy suggestions:
Replace sugary drinks with naturally flavored water or calorie-free seltzer.
Think colorful in the produce aisle—by eating a rainbow of fruits and vegetables you will be more likely to get the nutrients your body needs.
Reduce portion size by using smaller plates at home. When dining out and your meal arrives, ask for a take-home container and pack half up before you start.
Manage stress. Having healthy ways to let off steam is important in reducing your risk of heart disease and in many other aspects of physical and mental health. Some reminders:
Make time for friends and family with regularly scheduled activities and outings.
Cultivate a hobby that you enjoy.
Volunteer
To learn more ways that you can be proactive in your podiatric health, contact our Glen Burnie (410-684-5934) or Ellicott City (410-680-8357) office.