By: Dr. Riffat Sadiq, CEO of WNY Medical PC, Channel Creator

There are several ways to keep our hearts feeling healthy year-round. Preventive care is key for a lifetime of happiness and health. When do I know if I need to improve my heart health? Cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels are three critical factors. After a visit with your doctor, they will show these levels through rounds of bloodwork. I cannot stress enough how important it is to manage these levels. Adapting to healthier lifestyle choices is an important factor to manage cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels.

You may think you are consuming enough nutrients, but your bloodwork levels may tell otherwise. Food consumption should be focused on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Maintaining an active lifestyle will also be of great assistance to your health. Managing your weight, quitting smoking, and sleeping well are also essential factors to keep your heart happy and healthy. If you are experiencing issues with keeping up with these specific heath levels, you should consult with a medical professional.

If you notice abnormal levels with your weight or your sleep activity, you shouldn’t hesitate to have a conversation with your doctor. If our heart is in trouble, our whole body is in trouble. We all want to live a long, healthy life surrounded with love and compassion. Make the right decisions today, in order to improve and maintain a healthier tomorrow. We only have one life, and we want to live it as long as we possibly can. With the right actions, you will excel in both life and health, keeping up with the energy and fun of life. After all, we are only given one heart.