Your Healthy Heart Score shows the current health of your heart. It is assessed by taking factors like your current health, lifestyle, medical conditions and fitness levels into account. This score predicts your risk of developing heart problems in the next 10 years and directs you to the measures you should take to improve your health. Here’s what you should do if-
Your Result Is Amber
Getting the colour amber in your healthy heart assessment means that your heart health is fine right now but it can be improved. If you don’t take measures to become healthier you will be at a higher risk for heart problems in the future. Here’s what you should do to take care of your heart now:
1. Increase physical activity:
Be more active in your daily routine by taking simple measures. Use stairs more often, walk for at least 30 minutes in a day, and stand more. You can get unique and practical tips to be more active by joining ABHI’s walking group on the Activ health app.
You can also take up a sport or spend time playing with your children to be more active. Remain standing for a longer time by working while standing up, or taking 5-minute stand-up breaks between each hour during the day. Walk your pets or do simple house chores. You don’t have to sweat, just stay on your feet more.
2. Avoid unhealthy foods this way:
Switch to healthier substitutes of foods. Buy brown rice and pasta instead of white; get multigrain bread and multigrain flour instead of whole wheat flour. You can also switch around certain ingredients in food like this healthy pav bhaji recipe where potatoes have been replaced by vegetables.
Also, avoid using vegetable oil as they have Omega-6 fatty acids which can increase your cholesterol levels. Use pure ghee, olive oil, or coconut oil for cooking. Check nutrition labels before buying the oil to purchase the ones with high Omega-3 fatty acids which is good for your health. Eat more greens and proteins. Consider taking nutrient supplements if you cannot get a sufficient amount of essential nutrients like vitamins from your diet.
3. Become mentally strong to make healthy choices:
Stress is just as bad for health as diseases. It impacts your immunity and gives rise to mental health issues like depression. Doing things that make you happy can reduce stress. When stress and negative feelings become overwhelming you should not hesitate to talk to someone about it- a close friend, family, or professional. You can follow this routine by Dr Aditi Govitrikar for bringing positive feelings in your life.
4. Deal with chronic medical conditions:
If you have pre-existing conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or any other health problems, keep a close check on them. It is recommended to get a complete health check-up at least twice a year.
You should also follow measures to stay safe in the current situation. Wear your mask, carry hand sanitizers, and maintain social distancing at all times.
Improve your Healthy Heart Score and reduce the risk of heart problems by following these tips. If you’ve got a different colour in your assessment- Select Green or Select Red for more information.
Download the Activ Health App on android and ios and get your Healthy Heart Score
Healthy Heart Score assessment is only available for Aditya Birla Health Insurance policy holders. If you are not a customer, get a plan that suits the health needs of your family! Take the first step to start taking care of your heart!