Your heart is the hardest-working muscle in your body. It beats [about(http://mlsupport.org)] 100,000 times a day, pumping blood to every corner of your system without ever taking a vacation. Because it does so much for you, it makes sense to return the favor. The good news? You don’t need to run a marathon or eat only kale to keep your heart healthy. Small, consistent changes are often enough to make a big difference. *1. Move Your Body (Even a Little)* Your heart is a muscle, and like any muscle, it gets stronger with exercise. You don't need a gym membership to see benefits. The Goal: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity, five days a week. The Start: A brisk walk, a dance session in your living room, or taking the stairs instead of the elevator all count. **2. Eat the Rainbow** What you put on your plate determines how hard your heart has to work. Fiber is your friend: Oats, beans, and whole grains act like a sponge, soaking up bad cholesterol. Healthy Fats: Not all fat is bad. Avocados, nuts (like walnuts and almonds), and olive oil help protect your heart. Watch the Salt: Too much sodium raises blood pressure, which puts strain on your arteries. Try flavoring food with herbs, lemon, or garlic instead. *3. Stress Less, Sleep More* In our busy world, we often overlook rest. However, chronic stress and lack of sleep are silent enemies of heart health. Sleep: Aim for 7–8 hours a night. During deep sleep, your heart rate and blood pressure drop, giving your heart a much-needed break. De-stress: whether it's deep breathing, reading, or chatting with a friend, finding ways to lower your stress hormones protects your heart from inflammation. *4. Know Your Numbers* You can't fix what you don't measure. Make it a habit to check these three numbers at least once a year: * Blood Pressure * Cholesterol Levels * Blood Sugar **The Bottom Line** Heart health isn't about perfection; it is about progression. Taking a 10-minute walk today is better than sitting on the couch. Eating an apple is better than eating a bag of chips. #healthcare #recovery #hospital