Taking Care of your Ticker: Five Ways To Focus On Your Heart Health

by University District

Taking care of your heart includes exercise, lifestyle habits, & food choices. Read on for some tips to get you started!

1.Get the Blood Pumping

There’s nothing that makes your heart happier than getting your body moving, with the ok of your doctor, of course. University District is an urban oasis for walkers, joggers and runners alike. Map out your next great adventure with the U/D interactive park map. There’s always something new to see and experience at U/D with parks, outdoor spaces and trails. Including the Central Commons Park skating rink.

2. Find your Fit

Our friends at UCalgary Active Living provide quality programming and education experiences to encourage a lifelong active lifestyle and keep your overall heart health a top priority. There are options for every skill level, and all fitness classes are led by a professional instructor. Not sure where to begin? Try a swim class at their Aquatic Centre, or their ‘Step and Strength’ group class, which gets your heart pumping with interval training. For a full list of their classes and programs, click here.

3. Download a Functional Fitness App

For those with a competitive edge or needing an extra push to get moving, try tracking your steps through your phone’s fitness function. Whether you are competing against yourself or a loved one, it may be exactly what you need to keep your heart in tip-top shape. Our favourite? The Pacer app!

4. Eat Heart Healthy

“Did you know that up to 80% of premature heart disease and stroke can be prevented through your life habits, such as eating a healthy diet and being physically active?” – Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada

Heart Healthy foods include berries, kale, & whole grains and “healthy’ fat, like avocados are a few foods you can add into your daily diet. U/D Save-On-Foods can help you check off your grocery list with all the ingredients you need to make healthy choices at home. Looking for inspiration? The Heart & Stroke Foundation is a great resource for new recipes & interactive videos to help you get started in the kitchen.

5. Get Educated

Your individual heart health may vary on a lot of factors, including your age, overall health, pre-existing health conditions, stress levels, family history and more. Your family doctor can help provide you with lifestyle recommendations. The Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation also provides resources and information, including free heart health management webinars. If you or someone you love is feeling at risk for heart disease, they offer a wide range of articles and FAQs, and of course your health practitioner can help steer you in the right direction.

Heading to U/D? Have a favourite spot? Be sure to share with us on social media on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

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