Mind the Heart | American Heart Month

American Heart Month is rapidly approaching—and that is something we take seriously here at WestBridge. It might surprise you to learn that heart health and mental health are closely interconnected—and when you take action to keep your ticker fully functional, you also benefit your mind and your emotions.

In fact, individuals living with serious mental illnesses face a heightened risk of other chronic health conditions, which includes heart disease. Adults with serious mental illnesses die, on average, 25 years earlier than other Americans, usually due to treatable medical conditions.

If you were one of the many Americans struggling with a mental health disorder, we encourage you to think not just about keeping your mind healthy, but your heart too.

Easier said than done? Not necessarily. Through proper eating, exercise and stress management, there is much you can do to proactively cultivate cardiovascular health.

Some basics:

Cut back on your salt intake. Salt lowers the amount of moisture in your body, and in doing so raises your blood pressure—at times dramatically. Try to monitor your intake and aim for no more than 1,500 milligrams of salt each day.
Also strive for a diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, fiber-rich whole grains, nuts and legumes. Try to cut back on the meat you consume—opting for fish when possible, and even enjoying some meals without meat from time to time.
Be active. See to it that you get about three hours of moderate exercise a week—even if that’s just taking a few laps in the pool or a brisk stroll through your neighborhood.
Learn and practice some stress management techniques, which may include anything from exercise to yoga to meditation to a creative outlet, like drawing or journaling.

Do something good for your heart today—and know that you are also doing something good for your mental health!

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