Padam, padam. ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ [Healthline]( [Wellness Wire]( Presented by [Olly]( In a Nutshell
Thereâs a particular statement that I frequently use during âTwo Truths and a Lieâ: I was born with a congenital heart condition called [transposition of the great arteries](. (Itâs true, BTW.) Basically, two important tubes were in the wrong place, and I had to have corrective surgery when I was only 3 days old â yes, days. I donât remember the experience at all (obviously), and my condition is not something I always have at the top of my mind.
Once a year, I try to see my cardiologist for a routine checkup. Iâve been overdue for a visit so this is me telling you to hold me accountable to set an appointment. Please and thank you! In the meantime, Iâm going to make sure Iâm abiding by todayâs tips to keep my heart as healthy as I can. • [This everyday exercise may help you live longer]( • [What do dreams about someone dying mean?]( • [13 low fat foods that are good for your health](
To the beat of my heart,
Kenny Thapoung
Managing Newsletter Editor Written by Kenny Thapoung
May 6, 2024 ⢠4 min read [Taking care of your heart doesnât need to be hard]( whatâs got us buzzing
[Taking care of your heart doesnât need to be hard](
My earliest memories of seeing a cardiologist for my heart condition started when I was around 8 years old. My parents would make a 1.5-hour long trip to the Childrenâs Hospital of Philadelphia for a day of [tests]( followed by a Quarter Pounder with cheese and orange Hi-C treat at McDonaldâs. ï¸
During the consultation, my doctor would tell me to focus on running, avoid lifting really heavy weights over my head, eat a balanced meal full of whole foods, and donât do drugs (ever). It was the same advice year after year.ï¸
And thatâs because for many of us â even me with my condition â living a heart-healthy life usually doesnât require a big overhaul to our everyday routine. Some easy, intentional lifestyle changes may be all that we need, including:ï¸ - Aim to stay below 1,500 milligrams (3/4 teaspoon) of [sodium]( total per day.
- Follow a [heart-healthy diet]( as best as you can.
- Include both [resistance training]( and [cardio]( to power your metabolism so that you can better maintain a moderate weight and blood pressure.
- Take several walking breaks during the workday to avoid sitting for long periods of time.
- Stress less â no, really, relax so that you donât increase your blood pressure. I donât need to lecture you on the importance of keeping your heart healthy, but I will remind you that heart disease is the [leading cause of death in the United States](. No one is âimmune,â and [several factors]( can have a significant influence on your risk. Some are out of our hands (age, sex, and family history), while others are [within our control]( (smoking, low physical activity, diet) to an extent.ï¸
Just like how my cardiologists have talked to me since I was kid, ask your doctor if thereâs anything you should keep in mind regarding your heartâs health â whether you have a condition or not.ï¸
Looking back, eating McDonaldâs probably wasnât the best ârewardâ to give me after a long day of behaving at a hospital. However, I donât think any of my past or current doctors mind the occasional fast food meal â as long as I continue following the tips above and below.ï¸ [MORE HEART HEALTH TIPS]( Great finds
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