This Heart Week (2-8 May), remember that we each play a huge role in monitoring our own heart health and that of our communities. With one Australian having a heart attack or stroke every 4 minutes, it’s important that we take the topic seriously.

Looking after our hearts doesn’t have to be rocket science! With simple, straightforward routines and habits, each of us can make a commitment to keeping our hearts healthy. Here are our top ten tips for a healthy heart (trust us - some of these you won’t want to miss!).

Say goodbye to smoking

This one’s pretty straightforward. As smoking is one of the top controllable risk factors for heart disease, cutting your use of cigarettes or other tobacco products is one of the healthiest choices you can make for your heart.

Brush your teeth regularly

Did you know that good oral hygiene can also protect you from heart disease? With research from the Cleveland Clinic connecting the bacteria that causes gum disease to a raised risk of heart disease, now you’ve got all the more reason to brush your teeth throughout the day.

Put on your walking boots

A five-minute walk when you’re frustrated can help to lower those stress levels, contributing to better heart health. A 30-minute walk daily is also a game-changer for your heart’s long-term health outlook.

Build joy into your daily routine

We’re not being dramatic: chronic stress, anxiety and anger can all raise your risk of heart disease or a stroke, according to the Havard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. By building joy into your daily routine, you can lift your mood and protect your heart in a double whammy. 

Let’s talk about sex, baby 

There’s another reason to have some fun in the sheets tonight, and it’s all to do with your heart health. The American Journal of Cardiology has found a link between lower occurrences of sexual activity and higher rates of cardiovascular disease. Time to turn down the lights in the name of heart health!

Hit up those omega-3 fatty acids

Incorporating omega-3 fatty acids into your diet can help protect your heart from the risk of disease or strokes. If you’re not a big fish fan, you can find omega-3 fatty acids in Juiced Life’s delicious My Cleanse Plus. 

Watch your salt intake

With so many processed food options high in salt, cutting down your salt intake is one easy way to support the health of your heart. This is particularly important for those with high blood pressure or heart failure, as salt can contribute to increased blood pressure. 

Check your numbers

Do you have current numbers for your blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and triglycerides? By understanding the optimal levels for your sex and age group, you can work with your doctor to keep strong records of your vitals and track your progress to maintain those levels. 

Grab some chocolate

More good news! The rumours are true: dark chocolate contains heart-healthy flavonoids that help reduce inflammation and lower your risk of heart disease. A square of dark chocolate can be a great addition to your diet in promoting heart health.

Embrace your inner child

Regular movement is key to happy and healthy hearts, but breaking a sweat doesn’t have to be boring. Embrace your inner child and find a way to get your heart rate up while doing something like bowling, hide and seek or a game of soccer with your family. 

Looking after our hearts can lead to all kinds of adventures. Find a way to build heart-healthy habits into your everyday routine, and you’ll reap the benefits for decades to come. 

Try our My Healthy Heart juice shot, which is designed specifically with cardiovascular health in mind. It’s a small but mighty shot jam-packed with goodness and essential vitamins and minerals: magnesium, electrolytes and phenolic antioxidants. Explore the Juiced Life heart-friendly menu today.