We all want to be healthy now and in the future, but what are some of the steps we can take to help us remain healthy as we age? According to the American Heart Association, there are several factors that we should focus on if we want to have improved heart and whole body health. We explore those eight factors in today’s blog.
The Essential 8
Back in 2010, the AHA released a list of seven metrics that can help individuals improve their heart health. In 2022, an eighth factor was added. Here’s a look at the complete list:
1. Not Smoking
2. Healthy Nutrition
3. Regular Physical Exercise
4. Healthy Weight
5. Normal Blood Pressure
6. Cholesterol
7. Blood Sugar Levels
8. Sufficient Sleep
A deeper dive into the data from the American Health Association found that patients with quality metrics in these categories:
- Were more likely to have improved brain function, lung function, vision, hearing, muscle strength and teeth quality compared to those with lower scores.
- Experienced lower levels of cortisol and stress, and lower frequencies of chronic diseases like cancer, COPD, pneumonia, fatty liver disease, depression, diabetes and end-stage renal disease.
- Had a higher self-reported quality of life and lower risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes.
- Experienced lower medical expenditures and non-cardiovascular disease costs.
So if you want to be healthier now and in the future, focus in on some of the controllable factors listed above. Stop smoking, watch what you eat, exercise regularly work towards an ideal weight and get regular sleep. If you focus on these factors, there’s a good chance that other metrics on that list like cholesterol, blood sugar levels and blood pressure will also begin to trend in the right direction.
A good house has a strong foundation, and a healthy body has quality metrics in the factors listed above. If you need help improving any of these factors or you want assistance overcoming a foot or ankle injury that is making it difficult to achieve some of your health-related goals, reach out to Dr. Silverman and the team at Silverman Ankle & Foot today at (770) 475-2710.