What women should do in every decade of their lives to ensure that they have a healthy heart.
In your 20s.
Planning on preventing heart disease is usually not on the radar of a woman in her 20s. But it must absolutely be so. Heart disease can begin even childhood. Now is the time learn how to eat a healthy diet and build a consistent exercise routine. This is the age to quit smoking and not start. Managing a healthy weight is a must so is being aware of your family history of cardiac problems. Get at least one physical test done to rule the chances of an early onset of any cardiac problem.
In your 30s
This is usually the baby time most women and their own health tends to rank last on the priority list. Excess stress, poor diet and lack of exercise can become concern. Eating a healthy diet and exercising consistently is crucial at this age. If you have not yet started on a healthy lifestyle plan, it’s not too late. Quitting smoking is nonnegotiable, again. Continue get regular checkups so that you can know your numbers.
In your 40s
If you haven’t rectified your lifestyle by this age, you might want to get yourself checked up for high blood pressure and diabetes. Left unchecked, that casual weight gain can land you in the obese category. If you are yet to start with the annual checkups, it is not too late. Again, know your numbers and reduce the risk. Lose weight if your body mass index is high.
In your 50s
The number of women having heart attacks dramatically rises after age 55. Women who have been consistent with healthy diet and exercise may be on the right side of the health track. Consistency in diet and exercise need to be maintained. Smoking must be stopped. As arthritis becomes more prevalent in this age group, you might want to modify your exercise schedule accordingly. Get yourself checked up for high cholesterol, BP and diabetes.
In your 60s and beyond
It’s healthy diet and exercise again! It’s also never too late to benefit from smoking cessation. This is the age when your bones and overall health tend to give away but a proper lifestyle can ensure that you are as healthy as a teenager. You might want to modify your workout schedule, but remember, it is important that you keep your exercise goals going.
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