Page 23 - Florida Sentinel 5-14-21
P. 23

Health
Keep Track of Liquids
Ask your doctor if you need to limit how much fluid you get per day. Remember, it's not just what you drink that counts. Ice, ice cream, hard candy, sherbet, gelatin, and soup all add up. Weigh yourself every morning. Quick weight gain can be a sign that you’re building up fluid.
Eat Healthy
Follow a well-rounded diet. Fruits and veggies should fill up about half of your plate at each meal. And don’t forget to have some whole grains. Low-fat or fat- free dairy will also help. Lean
meats, seafood, beans, seeds, and processed soy should be your proteins. Keep solid fats, refined grains, and sugars to a minimum.
Watch Your Sodium
Sodium makes your body hold onto fluid. That can raise your blood pressure, cause swelling in your legs, or make it hard to breathe. Most of your sodium comes from salt. Don't cook with it, and don’t add it to food before you eat, either. Instead, use herbs or no-salt seasoning. Choose fresh vegetables. If you use canned or frozen veg- gies, make sure they’re un- salted. Also, look for low-sodium foods at the store.
      Keep an Eye on Symptoms Daily
If you’re living with heart disease or congestive heart failure in particular, stay on top of changes in your body. One easy way to do that is to write down your symptoms when you notice them. Do you feel shortness of breath? Are your hands and feet swollen? Do you have a cough? Tell your doctor if you notice anything new.
Exercise
Be active. It's great for you when you have heart disease. It can lower your cholesterol and blood pressure, and help
you lose extra weight. Move every day if you can. Aim to work your way up to 30 min- utes of physical activity a day, at least 5 days a week. Won- dering what to do? Good ex- ercises for the heart use large-muscle groups like your legs. You could walk, ride a bike, or swim. Talk to your doctor before you start a new fitness routine to find out
what's safe for you.
Control Your Blood Pressure
Check your BP every day. Talk to your doctor about your personal blood pressure goal. The ideal way to hit your goal is with a healthy lifestyle. You may also have to use medicine. Tell your doctor if your BP changes.
    FRIDAY, MAY 14, 2021 FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY FRIDAY PAGE 11-B


















































































   21   22   23   24   25