Tomorrow is February 1st and February is National Heart Health Month! 

Now, I think it’s safe to say that most of us don’t want anything bad going on with our ticker and vessels. 

But unfortunately, many people have habits that are inviting heart disease to come knocking. 

And the thing is, they likely don’t even know it! 

Here are six of the most common habits that people have that increase the likelihood of heart disease—see how many apply to you: 

1- You don’t exercise 

Exercise lowers your blood pressure, strengthens your heart and improves blood flow.   

On the flip side, it has also been shown that sitting too much can raise your risk of heart disease! Just one hour of sitting causes negative changes to the fat and sugar levels in your blood and can make you more susceptible to atherosclerosis.    

No more excuses—get your doctor’s OK and get working up a sweat. 

Also, if you have a desk job, make sure you get up and walk around periodically throughout the workday, and/or take a walk at lunch. 

2- You lack sleep 

Studies have shown that people who got fewer than 6 hours of sleep at night had a 79 percent increased incidence of heart disease than those who slept 8 hours or more. 

So if you’re a Night Owl, it’s time to turn off the TV, get off social media, and get some decent rest.   

If you have trouble sleeping, here are some ways to help: 

• Avoid sugars, stimulants and alcohol in the evening 
• Don’t work out too close to bedtime 
• Sip chamomile tea 
• Engage the power of melatonin in our Soothing Zzzz’s Blend Gummies  
• Darken your room as much as possible 
• Take a warm bath with Epsom salts 

3- You don’t floss regularly 

Most of us don’t have any trouble brushing our teeth regularly, but flossing is another issue.  However, being a flossing slacker can come back to bite you. 

Although you might not realize it, bacteria in your mouth can affect your cardiovascular health!  Just like unwelcome microbes ANYWHERE in your body, harmful oral bacteria can get into your bloodstream, stir up inflammation and trigger atherosclerosis. 

So if George Bush was President last time you flossed your teeth, time to get going, my friend.    

And while you’re at it, make sure you schedule a cleaning with a hygienist at least once a year. 

4- You drink diet soda  

Most people are aware that sugary beverages like soda (and other sweetened drinks) are not a good thing. 

But don’t be fooled into thinking diet soda is a viable alternative…because you couldn’t be more wrong. 

In addition to all of the other health abominations associated with artificial sweeteners like aspartame and sucralose, research shows that people who drink 2 or more diet sodas a day have a 23 percent higher risk of going into heart failure! 

5- You shun the sun and/or wear sunscreen  

Your body produces Vitamin D when your skin is exposed to direct sunlight, and Vitamin D’s anti-inflammatory actions help counteract inflammation in your arteries (among many other things).   

But thanks to our (exaggerated) fears of skin cancer, many people shun the sun entirely or slather on sunscreen every time they go out, which blocks your body’s ability to make Vitamin D. 

Reasonable (20-30 minutes) of unprotected sun exposure helps your body make Vitamin D like it’s supposed to.  If you stay out longer than that, then yes, put some (non-toxic) sunscreen on or wear protective clothing.  And of course, never get a sunburn. 

6- You lack heart-healthy nutrients 

Nothing has a bigger impact on your state of health (or lack thereof) than nutrients.  Every single disease has its roots in one or more nutritional deficiencies, and heart disease is no exception! 

But that can be so easily turned around!  It’s just a matter of getting some more of the “good stuff,” staying away from the “bad stuff” and taking advantage of heart-supportive supplements! 

Here’s how: 

Get more of the good stuff 

Concentrate on real foods like fresh vegetables, fruits, meats, poultry, fish, eggs, nuts, olive oil, coconut oil and real butter (never, EVER margarine). 

And just as important is to avoid refined sugars and starchy carbs.   

Sugars and starchy carbs such as breads, pasta, rice and crackers (even if they’re whole grain) can create surges of glucose in your bloodstream, signaling your pancreas to secrete insulin.  Over time this can set the stage for insulin resistance, and high levels of glucose and insulin in your blood, which stirs up inflammation in your blood vessels.    

Lastly, please get the BS idea out of your head that saturated fats are bad for you.  Your body NEEDS saturated fats, and that includes your heart and nervous system.  

Supplement with heart healthy nutrients 

Three key nutrients for cardiovascular support are Vitamin D, Omega-3 essential fatty acids and Vitamin B12. 

As I mentioned above, Vitamin D helps counteract inflammation in your arteries, and your body makes it from exposure to direct sunlight. 

Unfortunately, some people are unwilling or unable to get sun exposure, and for those of us who live in the northern hemisphere, our sunny days can be very limited, especially in the cooler months! 

To ensure you have proper levels of this heart-healthy nutrient all year round no matter where you live, supplementation with a top-notch formula like Optimum D-K Formula with FruiteX-B® is the way to go.  Optimum DK Formula provides a heart-healthy 5,000 IUs of vitamin D3 in each 1-capsule dose, plus its partners Vitamins K1 and K2, and the mineral boron—all nutrients known for supporting cardiovascular health. 

In addition, Omega-3 essential fatty acids have been medically proven to help lower blood pressure, they can fight inflammation in your arteries, and they help reduce the stickiness in your platelets and curb fibrinogens (which contribute to plaque).  

VitalMega-3 is your ticket to getting a health-supporting dose of these crucial fats.  VitalMega-3 provides 1,000 mg of Omega-3s in every daily 2-capsule serving, including the all-important EPA and DHA in the 3:2 ratio recommended by experts.  

Lastly, Vitamin B12 plays a role in heart disease prevention too!  Vitamin B12 converts homocysteine to a harmless amino acid.  If left unchecked, homocysteine can build up, cause inflammation in your blood vessels and raise your heart disease risk.   

Hydroxaden 2.5 is an easy, effective way to ensure your body has the B12 it needs for this vital task.  Hydroxaden is sprayed under your tongue so that B12 can be effectively absorbed right into your bloodstream.   

Now you are on the road to a healthier cardiovascular system…for life! 

To your health, 

Sherry Brescia