At Feet First Foot Care Specialists, we always stress the importance of a total body approach to foot health to our Middlesex County patients. September 29th is World Heart Day and an excellent time to make the connection that a healthy heart benefits your feet and the rest of your body! Keeping arteries clear of plaque and reducing other risk factors for heart disease can happen one step at a time.

Consider the ten options below to make your heart healthier:

1. Go plant-based one meal a week. Reducing the amount of red meat is one way to lower cholesterol.
2. Take a dance class (or try Pilates, hiking, ice skating). Choose physical activities for social time with friends and family and multiply heart-healthy effects!
3. Buy smaller plates. It’s an easy way to reduce portion sizes and help you get to and maintain a healthy weight.
4. Find what calms you down. Is it coloring, doing puzzles, walking the dog? Look for new ways to destress and then build it into your daily routine.
5. Schedule regular checkups. There are several other medical conditions associated with heart disease, including diabetes and high blood pressure. Detecting and managing other health problems helps your heart.
6. Get a step counter. No time for a regular exercise routine? Start by just incorporating more movement into each day. Make multiple trips up the stairs to bring in the groceries, walk while you talk on the phone, park farther away from the grocery store. Look for opportunities to move.
7. Try a new spice. Too much sodium can increase blood pressure. There are plenty of other ways to season food.
8. Invent a mocktail. Drinking alcohol in moderation is another way to protect your heart. Instead of 2 drinks, have one and make your second an appealing, no-alcohol concoction. Serve in a pretty glass.
9. Quit smoking. Period. There are many programs, from hypnosis to the patch. This habit harms your heart, arteries, and lungs, and impedes circulation. Talk to your doctor and finally quit for good.
10. Be aware of signs of heart disease in your feet and legs. Cramping, feeling cold, hair loss, and swelling may all be potential indicators of heart disease. If you have concerns make an appointment at our Cromwell office by calling 860-632-5499 and talk to our podiatrist, Dr. Adam Mucinskas.