Do’s and Don’ts for a Healthier Heart

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February is National Heart Month. Heart disease is the number one killer of men and women in our country. At Goldsmith Podiatry, we want our Manhattan patients to take steps to improve the health of their hearts, which ultimately improves the health of your feet and your entire body. Below are some do’s and don’ts for a healthier you.

Do: know the symptoms of a heart attack. Most people are aware of the more common heart symptoms: pain in the chest, tightness, and sensation of squeezing in the area of your heart. But there are other symptoms that may signal a heart attack. These include:

  • Shortness of breath

  • Breaking out in a cold sweat

  • Nausea, indigestion, or heartburn

  • Fatigue

  • Lightheadedness

If you experience any of these symptoms or suspect you may be having a heart attack, don’t wait. Call 911 immediately.

Don’t: settle for a sedentary lifestyle. Work from home and general shutdowns have caused many patients to significantly increase the amount of time they are not moving. The American Heart Association recommends adults get 150 active minutes during a week. Set alarms on your phone or fitness watch that remind you to get up and move at regular intervals. Walk on a treadmill while you watch TV and pace while you talk on the phone. Find small ways every day to get more steps in and keep moving. If you experience foot or ankle pain with increased activity, contact our Upper West Side NYC office at (212) 877-1002 to schedule an examination with one of our podiatrists--Dr. Howard Goldsmith or Dr. Rosanna Troia.

Do: make small but significant changes in your diet. Your food choices play a huge role in the health of your heart. Swap healthy fats (like avocado and coconut oil) for hydrogenated fats, seltzer for soda, low-fat dairy products for full-fat ones. These changes will keep you from feeling deprived and are more likely to succeed.

Don’t: keep your troubles to yourself. There’s a lot of stress out there, and it’s essential to talk it out with trusted friends and family. Put dates on your calendar to regularly engage with friends and pursue activities you enjoy.  These things help lower stress and reduce your high blood pressure risk.

You can have a healthier heart—one simple step at a time! For additional information on heart health and your feet, contact us.

Foot Health, Heart HealthGoldsmith Podiatrypodiatrist, heart health