Author: Sydney Ridgely

When it comes to heart health, what you keep in your kitchen matters just as much as what you avoid. Having the right foods on hand makes it easier to build meals and snacks that support your heart without overthinking it. If you’re looking to take a simple, practical step toward better health, start by…

For years, heart health, and health in general has been framed around avoiding disease, such as: lower your cholesterol, watch your blood pressure, try to prevent a heart attack, and avoid diabetes. While those things still matter, the conversation is starting to shift. Instead of only asking how to avoid problems, more people are asking…

Are you someone who sips coffee all day just because it’s there? You’re not alone. Caffeine is a daily staple for many of us—but when it comes to heart health, it’s fair to wonder: how much is too much? Understanding Caffeine and Your Heart Caffeine is a stimulant, which means it can temporarily increase your…

Every five years, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans are reviewed and updated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Over the years, we’ve seen those guidelines take different visual forms—from the original Food Guide Pyramid to MyPlate. Now, as of 2026, the pyramid is back—but It’s been…

Looking for a simple, heart-smart snack? This nutrient-packed trail mix is full of healthy fats, fiber and antioxidants—all of which support cardiovascular health. Ingredients Why It’s Good for Your Heart How to Make It Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Store in an airtight container for up to one week. Portion into…

Many of us enjoy a drink now and then, whether to celebrate a special occasion or unwind after a long day. But what happens when those occasional drinks turn into daily habits or exceed moderation? Excessive alcohol use doesn’t just affect your liver or sleep—it can have serious consequences for your heart. From raising blood…

Being grateful is not always easy, especially during seasons when things seem to be going wrong. Whether challenges involve your health, your family or work some days can feel mentally overwhelming. Over time, constant negativity can take a toll on overall health and heart health in particular. Practicing gratitude supports mental well-being by reducing stress,…

Have you ever wondered if you’re drinking enough water? Many people don’t realize how much hydration affects their daily energy levels, overall health and especially their heart. Knowing how much water to drink, recognizing the signs of dehydration and understanding how it impacts your heart can help you feel better and protect your long-term health.…

Sleep is often one of the first things people sacrifice when life gets busy, work becomes overwhelming or during major life changes. While skipping sleep may seem like a way to gain more time in the day, it often leads to brain fog, fatigue and difficulty functioning in the days—or even weeks—that follow. More importantly,…

When we think about heart health, diet and exercise often come to mind first. But mental health—especially anxiety and depression—plays a powerful role in how well our hearts function. The connection between the mind and the heart is just as important and ongoing emotional stress can place significant strain on the cardiovascular system over time.…

As the new year begins, many of us feel pressure to set big, life-changing resolutions. While ambitious goals can be motivating, drastic lifestyle changes are often hard to maintain—and that’s why many resolutions don’t last. Instead, consider focusing on a few simple, achievable habits. Small changes, when done consistently, can lead to big improvements over…

Your heart works around the clock for you, so when something feels “off,” it’s important to pay attention. Many people aren’t sure when their symptoms or risk factors are serious enough to bring up with their primary care provider (PCP). The good news is, your PCP can evaluate your concerns and decide if a referral…

A heart stent is a small, mesh-like metal tube placed inside a narrowed or blocked artery to help keep it open. Stents are most commonly used in the coronary arteries—the vessels that supply blood to your heart. The idea for modern stents goes back to 1963, when Radiologist Charles Theodore Dotter and his trainee, Melvin…

Most of us know how it feels to drag through the day after a poor night’s sleep — sluggish, unfocused and ready for the day to be over before noon. But a lack of sleep does more than make us tired. Over time it can have serious effects on our overall health, especially our hearts.…

When it comes to eating healthy, appearances can be deceiving. Many foods that are marketed as “healthy” can actually be very high in sodium – which, when consumed in excess, can negatively impact your heart and overall health. While these foods can be part of a balanced diet in moderation, it is important to understand…

The holiday season is a joyful time filled with family, friends and celebration. But if you are on a heart-health journey it can also be a challenging time to stay on track. Surrounded by delicious foods, tempting beverages and busy schedules, it is easy to feel pulled away from healthy habits. The good news? You…

Many people don’t realize how closely diabetes and heart health are connected. Both conditions share many of the same risk factors and managing one often benefits the other. In fact, following a heart-healthy lifestyle– rich in balanced nutrition and regular physical activity– is one of the best ways to prevent or manage diabetes. If left…

Finding ways to stay active does not always mean hitting the gym or following a strict workout routine. In fact, adding small ways to increase movement throughout your day can have a big impact on your health and your heart. If you are looking for easy and effective ways to move more, try a few…

Heart rhythm problems can affect every part of life, whether the heart races, skips beats or slows down too much. These conditions, known as arrhythmias, can increase the risk of stroke or heart failure if left untreated. Now with the arrival of electrophysiology (EP) services at Sarah Bush Lincoln, patients in central Illinois can access…

Ingredients Caloric Info Ingredient Amount Protein Fiber Calories Jif Natural Peanut Butter 2 tsp.  7g 3g 190 Better Body Organic Super Seeds 1 Tbsp. 2g 2.6g 50 Truvani Plant Based Protein Powder 1 scoop 20g 2g 130 Fresh Blueberries 1 cup 1.2g 3.6g 84 Fresh spinach 1 heaping handful 1.7g 1.3g 14 Vanilla Ratio Protein…