Welcome to the third post in our “7 Steps to a Healthier Heart” series! Over the next few weeks, we’ll dive into simple, science-backed changes you can make to protect your most vital organ; your heart. Heart disease remains the #1 cause of death globally, but the good news is, many of the risk factors are within your control.
Sarah Bush Lincoln Cardiologist, B Lakshmi, MD, explains how to prevent a heart attack, highlights the best noninvasive screenings to assess heart risk, and emphasizes the importance of family history in heart disease.
Stop Smoking!
Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health, especially for preventing issues with your heart down the line, but also multiple other types of cancers, and health conditions.
Know your why
- Whether it’s to breathe easier, protect your heart or be there for your family, keep that reason front and center.
Pick a quit date
- This can be within the next one to two weeks. But make sure to give yourself time to prepare.
Identify your smoking triggers
- Stress, driving, or drinking coffee, and plan healthier alternatives, such as walking, chewing gum, or deep breathing.
You don’t have to do it alone
- Let friends or family know you’re quitting, and lean on them for their support.
Consider using quit aids
- Nicotine patches, gum, or prescription medications if needed. Cravings usually pass within five to ten minutes, so have a go-to strategy ready to distract yourself. And remember, slipping up doesn’t mean failure, just refocus and keep going.
Celebrate your progress, even the small wins. Every smoke-free day is a step toward a healthier, stronger you. You’ve got this!
Please note the information in this blog is not a subsite for medical care. You should always consult your doctor for more details.
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