There are many things we can do to improve our health and protect our hearts, including: • Do Not Smoke Or Use Tobacco — One of the best ways to improve heart health is to stop smoking or using smokeless tobacco. Chemicals in tobacco can damage the heart and blood vessels, and the smoke in cigarettes reduces the oxygen in the blood. Because the heart has to work harder to supply enough oxygen to the body and brain, this results in an increase in blood pressure and heart rate. • Exercise Regularly — Physical activity is important for the heart to function properly, and is one of the easiest ways to improve heart health. 30 to 60 minutes of activity daily can lower the risk of heart disease, help control weight, and reduce the chances of developing other conditions that can strain the heart, such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes. • Eat A Heart-Healthy Diet — A healthy diet can provide a number of benefits, including protecting the heart, improving blood pressure and cholesterol, and reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes. A heart-healthy eating plan includes: • Vegetables and fruits • Beans or other legumes • Lean meats and fish • Low-fat or fat-free dairy foods • Whole grains • Healthy fats, such as olive oil • Maintain A Healthy Weight — Being overweight—especially around the middle of the body—increases the risk of heart disease and can lead to conditions, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes, that increase the chances of developing heart disease. Express Health Urgent Care is dedicated to providing you with all of your EKG services in one place. To speak with one of our specialists, call us or visit us today to book an appointment. We have convenient locations to serve you. We serve patients from Brooklyn NYC, Queens NY, East Harlem NYC, Manhattan NY, Coney Island NYC, Midwood NY, Nostrand NYC, Ridgewood NY, Metropolitan NYC, Staten Island, Greenwich Village NY, and surrounding areas.