The summer sun is great for anyone’s mood, but when it comes to your heart, this time of year can pose some major threats. Be wary of possible signs of heart disease, and help keep those medical issues at bay with these summer heart health tips.
Stay Hydrated
Proper hydration is essential throughout the entire year, but it’s especially important during the summer. With the increased heat and outdoor time, you’re much more likely to become dehydrated. Circumvent this by bringing water with you and eating fruits and vegetables with high water content. Even if you don’t feel thirsty, keep sipping on that water bottle—your body will thank you for it.
Enjoy Seasonal Fruits and Veggies
Those delicious seasonal fruits and vegetables won’t just keep you hydrated—they’re also very heart-healthy. With their abundance of antioxidants, vitamins, and phytonutrients, they help unclog arteries and keep your heart happy and healthy. For overall health, you can’t go wrong with fresh fruits and vegetables.
Dress for the Weather
Don’t let the sweat stick to your body. Keep yourself cool by wearing light-colored, loose clothes when you’re out in the summer heat. This will help the sweat evaporate off your body rather than stick to you—when your sweat evaporates, it takes some of your body heat with it. Overheating can be a huge risk to your heart health, so take the necessary precautions to avoid this potential pitfall.
Be Wary of Outdoor Workouts
Staying active is essential for heart health, but be wary of those outdoor workouts. In the early morning, when the temperatures aren’t too high, workouts are a great way to get your body moving. But when the day is at its hottest—around 3 PM—working out outdoors can lead to dehydration, exhaustion, and other nasty side effects for your heart health. Opt for an indoor activity such as yoga or indoor swimming around this time of day instead.
Get Enough Sleep
This is one summer heart health tip that most people would love to enjoy. There’s no better feeling than sleeping in during the summer, and it’s just as good for your heart as it is for your mind. Those who don’t get healthy amounts of sleep are at a higher risk for cardiovascular disease. Treat your body to at least seven hours of sleep per night to keep your heart health high.
When it comes to enjoying the summer sun, you’ve still got to keep your heart health in mind. Soak up the sun with your family and friends, but stay mindful of these tips to keep your heart health in tip-top shape.
