Healthy Living

5 Habits That Can Damage Your Heart Health

Now is an ideal time to think about what you can — and shouldn’t — do to improve your heart health. If you’re guilty of these habits, there’s no time like the present to start setting yourself up for a healthier lifestyle.

#1 Lighting up. Whether you’re a social puffer, a heavy smoker or addicted to the vaping trend, you’re putting your heart health at risk. According to the U.S. Surgeon General, more than 16 million Americans suffer from a disease caused by smoking. In the U.S., smoking causes 87% of lung cancer deaths, 32% of coronary heart disease deaths and 79% of all cases of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). By making the decision to quit, your body will benefit almost immediately. The risk of heart attack begins to decrease just one day after quitting. And one year after quitting, your risk for coronary heart disease declines by half.

#2 Sweating the small stuff. Stress is a known contributor to heart health complications due to its connection with smoking, alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, and unhealthy food choices. And when it’s excessive, stress can play a factor in high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. Stress management skills are an essential part of a healthy heart arsenal. That’s why it’s so important to come up with an alternative way to deal with life’s stressors — from exercising to meditating to seeking support from a mental health professional.

#3 Skipping your walk. Walking might be the easiest way to get some heart-healthy aerobic activity — and lower your chances of heart disease. The American Heart Association recommends a minimum of 30 minutes per day, five times a week to burn some calories and stimulate your heart. Want to walk for a great cause? Find a HeartWalk near you to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise money for life-saving heart research.

#4 Packing on extra pounds. Roughly two-thirds of adults and 30% of children are overweight or obese. Excess weight is directly correlated with heart disease by causing a spike in bad cholesterol levels, elevating blood pressure and leading to diabetes, which the AHA lists as being one of the top seven major controllable factors to prevent heart disease. By being more mindful of portion size, eating more fruits and vegetables, and limiting unhealthy fats, you can shed weight, reduce your cholesterol and lower your risk of coronary artery disease.

#5 Drinking the whole six-pack. While moderate alcohol consumption is OK in many cases, excessive drinking increases your risk for a host of heart problems. From heart attack to stroke to heart failure, binge drinking can also contribute to cardiomyopathy, a disorder that affects the heart muscle and its ability to pump. Before you indulge, understand the potential health effects, and follow the AHA’s recommendations on how to drink in moderation.

Planning for a happy, healthy retirement

When you’re doing your part to maintain a clean bill of health, you want to make sure nothing is holding you back from enjoying your retirement to the fullest. At Reverse Mortgage Funding, LLC (RMF) we’ve helped thousands of homeowners age 62+ secure extra funds with a reverse mortgage loan.

This type of loan allows you to tap into the equity of your home and withdraw money as a lump-sum payment, a monthly payment or a line of credit*, so the money is there when and how you need it. To learn more, call 888-277-1567 to set up a convenient in-person appointment with an experienced reverse mortgage specialist near you.

This content is sponsored by RMF, one of the nation’s leading reverse mortgage lenders. We are dedicated to helping older Americans retire more freely, in the comfort of their own homes. As a result of our commitment to providing an extraordinary and positive customer experience, we have earned a 98% customer satisfaction rating; a 5-star / Excellent score on Trustpilot; 4.8 out of 5 stars on LendingTree; and an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. Call 888-277-1567 to speak with a licensed reverse mortgage specialist to learn about our retirement financing products and solutions.

*Borrowers who elect a fixed rate loan will receive a single disbursement lump sum payment. Other payment options are available only for adjustable rate mortgages.

*Borrowers who elect a fixed rate loan will receive a single disbursement lump sum payment. Other payment options are available only for adjustable rate mortgages.

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