While it's not accurate to say that healthy hearts can directly "beat" cancer and dementia, maintaining a healthy heart and overall healthy lifestyle can contribute to a reduced risk of developing these conditions and potentially delay their onset by up to a decade. People who have healthy hearts and organs in good condition are much less likely to develop the aforementioned ailments than those who do not. The question remains: “what can I do to make my heart healthy?”.
Regular exercise
Engaging in regular physical activity, such as aerobic exercises, can improve cardiovascular health, enhance blood flow, and strengthen the heart muscle. Exercise also helps regulate body weight, reduce inflammation, and boost the immune system, which may also contribute to lowering the risk of cancer and dementia, as well as preventing coronary heart disease by lessening the amount of stored fat in the body.
Healthy diet
Adopting a balanced and nutritious diet is crucial for maintaining heart health and overall well-being. Focus on consuming a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Minimising processed foods, sugary beverages, and excessive salt intake as well as trans-fats.
Tobacco and alcohol moderation Avoiding or minimising tobacco use and limiting alcohol consumption are crucial for a healthy heart and reducing cancer and dementia risks. Smoking is a significant risk factor for various cancers, including lung, throat, and bladder cancer. Excessive alcohol consumption can damage brain cells and increase the risk of both cancer and dementia.
Maintain a healthy weight
As explored above, following a healthy, balanced diet and exercising are excellent practices for your heart’s health, but they also allow people to maintain a low body mass index. Obesity and excess body weight are associated with an increased risk of heart disease, certain cancers, and dementia. Therefore, aiming to keep a healthy weight reduces the chances of developing such conditions.
Manage stress
Chronic stress can have detrimental effects on both heart health and overall well-being. Find healthy coping mechanisms to manage stress, such as practising mindfulness, engaging in hobbies, spending time with loved ones, or seeking professional help if needed.
Regular health screenings Stay proactive about your health by scheduling regular check-ups with your healthcare provider. They can monitor your heart health, assess your risk factors, and recommend appropriate screenings for cancer and dementia based on your age, family history, and other relevant factors.
Remember, while maintaining a healthy heart and lifestyle can reduce the risk of cancer and dementia, it does not guarantee complete protection. Regular medical check-ups, awareness of potential symptoms, and early detection are crucial in managing these conditions effectively. Here at Clinipath Malta, our healthcare professionals provide a comprehensive range of medical screenings to enable you to evaluate the state of your health.
For more information or for regular or one-off medical screenings contact us on +356 21221355, 9985 2404 or send an email on info@clinipath.com.mt.
Comments