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Have you ever wondered what steps you could take to improve your health over a long-term period? The American Heart Association published a study that found that people with high genetic risk factors for heart disease could significantly lower that risk if they implemented seven lifestyle modifications, which are referred to as Life’s Simple 7:

Manage Blood Pressure.

    • Keeping your blood pressure within healthy ranges reduces the strain on your heart, arteries, and kidneys which keeps you healthier longer.

Control Cholesterol.

    • High cholesterol levels can cause plaque buildup which can clog arteries. Clogged arteries can lead to heart attack and stroke. Controlling your cholesterol levels can avoid this completely. 

Reduce Blood Sugar.

    • Much of the food you consume is turned into glucose which then which is then released into the bloodstream. High levels of glucose in the blood can damage your heart, kidneys, eyes, and nerves over time. Reducing glucose in the body can prevent this damage from being done. 

Get Active.

    • Living an active life can aid with muscular and skeletal issues as well as strengthen your heart and improve lung health. 

Eat Better.

    • Having a healthy diet can not only reduce your risk of developing many chronic conditions, but it can also make you feel better overall. 

Maintain a Healthy Weight.

    • Maintaining a healthy weight is key to living a healthy lifestyle. Doing this will reduce the burden on your heart, lungs, blood vessels, and skeleton.

Stop Smoking.

    • Smoking cigarettes heightens your risk of developing many chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and lung cancer. Quitting is the best thing you can do for your health. 

Following these seven tips can contribute to a healthy lifestyle that can reduce your risk of developing chronic disease. Sticking to a holistic routine that incorporates steps such as these can not only improve your physical health but overall wellbeing. 

Written by GUADS intern Sara with contributions from (https://www.heart.org/en/) and (https://www.myjournalcourier.com/)