See your doctor annually so he or she can help you monitor your heart and your overall health. If you don't already have one, find a doctor you like and develop a relationship with him or her. Your healthcare depends a lot on you, but it's your family doctor's job to offer you good, trusted advice and care. So pay attention to what your doctor says and remember to consult him or her whenever you have questions. If you need help in finding a primary care doctor, you can call Eastern Maine Healthcare's physician referral service at 1.800.439-2111, or go to our online physician finder .
Regular exercise is essential for a healthy heart - and a great way to keep in shape.
Talk with your doctor about a fitness plan that's right for you. And if you're not keen on playing a sport or joining a gym, there are plenty of other ways to get fit. Try taking a brisk walk, going for a bicycle ride, spinning your sweetie around the dance floor, or using the stairs instead of the elevator at work. Remember - to stay fit you need to exercise three or four days a week for at least fifteen minutes at a time. To learn more about how to get fit, and how to stay there, check out our Healthy Living Library for links to additional resources on the world wide web.