Getting to the Heart of the Matter

of the MatterGetting to the Heart

by John Murphy, Founder, Make 100 Healthy Foundation

When I think about being heart healthy, I always think of the relationship between a healthy heart and a healthy mind.

What does one have to do with the other? Plenty.

The human body is put together in a way that creates a mind and body connection. The old adages — “You gotta have heart,” “What does your heart tell you?” or “Go with your heart” — are all expressions on how you can determine your life direction or how to handle any situation.

While our heart is a physical organ, it is also at the center of how we feel and also is affected by stress and lifestyle.

Having a healthy heart is a basic foundation of overall wellness. Nourishing your heart with a healthy diet, a physically active lifestyle and keeping your self-grounded in gratitude will help you live a happy and meaningful life.

Here’s some basic tips to give your heart the best chance to be all it can be!

EAT HEALTHY:

fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, poultry, fish and nuts while limiting red meat and sugary foods and drinks. Bonus: Eating a hearthealthy diet can help you lose weight, which may help lower your cholesterol.

MOVE MORE:

Aim for 30 minutes of heart-pumping activity most days of the week. Think brisk walking, bicycling and swimming.

QUIT SMOKING:

No matter how long you’ve been a smoker, you will benefit from quitting.

BE GRATEFUL:

Taking the time to appreciate what you have and to stop worrying about things you can’t control is important to reduce stress on your heart.

Every aspect of our human experience is multifaceted and interconnected. When we become aware of how much can we can do to improve our overall wellness, it’s a life changing moment. And that’s truly the heart of the matter.