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Heart to Heart: Expert tips to promote a heart-heathy life

Apr 11, 2023 08:00AM ● By Noelani Mathews

Dr. Stan Headley, a natural health consultant at Cypress Pharmacy, with a patient. 

As we navigate busy schedules and the stressors of day-to-day life, many of us struggle to be kind to our hearts when it comes to prioritizing health. Unfortunately, there are no magic pills or quick-fix solutions – a heart-healthy lifestyle requires care and commitment.

Dr. Stan Headley is a natural health consultant at Cypress Pharmacy. 

Every year, heart disease remains the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. Fortunately, there are many natural ways to strengthen your heart and reduce your risk of developing heart disease.

“Ninety percent of the nearly 18 million heart disease cases worldwide could be prevented by simply adopting a healthier diet, exercising regularly, and not smoking,” states Dr. Stan Headley, natural health consultant at Cypress Pharmacy. “Now is the time to make essential lifestyle and dietary changes to live a longer, healthier life.”

At Cypress Pharmacy in Fort Myers, Headley does not diagnose or treat disease but educates customers about lifestyle changes that can promote optimal health. Headley provides natural ways to strengthen your heart and reduce your risk of developing heart disease.



Consider these five tips:

1.     Eating healthier is an important step to improving your overall health. A balanced diet with plenty of fruit, vegetables and whole grains can also help promote better heart health.

2.     Lowering cholesterol is a great way to reduce your risk of developing heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases. Eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly can help you keep your levels in check. Often, high cholesterol doesn’t have symptoms until a problem arises, so it’s important to have a blood test to reveal your levels.

3.     Another major way to improve your heart health is staying active. Exercise can improve your heart’s ability to pump blood and reduce your risk of high blood pressure. Try to aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each day.

4.     Managing diabetes is also vital to preventing serious medical conditions. Data from the National Heart Association shows more than 65% of people with diabetes will die from heart disease or stroke. If you have prediabetes, losing at least 7% of body weight and exercising 2.5 hours per week can reduce the risk of progressing to diabetes.

5.     Finally, taking targeted supplements can help support heart function. Omega-3 fatty acids, such as those found in fish oil, can help lower your cholesterol levels and reduce your risk of heart disease. Other supplements, such as CoQ10 and magnesium, can also help improve your heart health.

“It’s important to get regular checkups to monitor blood pressure, cholesterol levels and other risk factors to identify potential problems before they become serious,” states Headley.

Be sure to discuss your lifestyle changes and nutritional supplements with a qualified health care professional, doctor or pharmacist, especially if you take prescription medications.

Noelani Mathews is a writer, creator, and storyteller raised in the Peach State, who now calls the Sunshine State home.