Protect Your Heart in Cold Weather

Your heart is one of your most vital organs. It is responsible for cleaning and pumping blood throughout your body. When something goes wrong with your heart, every other function in your body is affected. It is imperative we protect it.

With cold weather here, how do we protect it during the winter? Here are a few tips to help keep you and your heart healthy

during the colder seasons:
- Eat healthy. Our colder months host the holidays, which means many rich foods. Additionally, it is sometimes harder to get fresh fruit and veggies during these months. Make it a point to eat healthy, and get all appropriate nutrients.
- Stay current with all your vaccines so you don't fall prey to diseases like the flu.
- Wash your hands, and use hand sanitizer. Keep yourself clean and germ free to help prevent the spread of sickness. Illnesses make your heart and blood work harder.
- Continue to exercise, but at a reduced regimen and duration if you go out in the cold.
- Get plenty of sleep.
- Stay hydrated.
- Dress warmly.
- Keep a close eye on your blood pressure, and if anything noticeable happens, consult with your doctor.

Sources:
- Protecting Your Heart in Cold Weather, Hillcrest Hospital
​- Keeping Your Heart Safe in Cold Weather, January 17, 2018, Advent Health Orlando