4 healthy steps to reducing your risk of heart disease

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the U.S. with about 610,000 people dying from it every year. Osteopathic physicians try to prevent illness before it occurs. Rob Danoff, DO, an osteopathic family physician from Philadelphia shares his tips to help you make healthier choices for your heart.

1. Sleep between six and eight hours a night
About 1 in 3 adults don’t get enough sleep. Sleep deprivation affects your heart by increasing the risk for heart disease and stroke by almost double.

2. Go to the dentist
Getting a dental checkup is not only good for your oral hygiene but also your heart. Poor dental hygiene can increase your risk for inflammation of mouth tissues which can release bacteria into the bloodstream.

3. Keep it moving
A sedentary lifestyle is linked to cardiovascular disease, congestive heart failure, obesity, hypertension and more. Sitting decreases our metabolic rate which can cause weight gain. To help combat sitting a lot during the day, get up and stretch or walk around for a minute every half hour.

4. Eat more fruits and vegetables
Eating more fruits and vegetables can decrease the risk of heart disease. A greener diet was also linked to a reduced risk of stroke.

Listen to Dr. Danoff’s tips for a healthier heart!