Be Smart about Your Heart this Holiday Season!

Here are a few simple tips to stay heart-healthy:

• Make sure you’re drinking enough water, especially if you’re drinking alcohol. Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning that you’ll urinate more than usual when drinking it. Keep the water flowing—rather than champagne—to stay hydrated.

• Don’t rush. The holidays may be one of the few times during the year that you don’t have to hurry to work, pick up the kids, or drive to an appointment. Take the time that you deserve to savor and enjoy your meal!

• Be mindful about indulgences. Choose one or two desserts, and limit liquid calories from alcohol, hot chocolate, eggnog, and apple cider.

• Learn some classic hacks to lighten up your favorite dishes. Substitute unsweetened applesauce for butter when you’re baking, use healthier vegetable oils instead of butter in your cooking, spring for light meat instead of dark, and use spices or herbs instead of salt.

• Keep it moving. Make sure to incorporate some sort of daily exercise into your holiday routine. Doing a group walk or run is a great way to get the whole family involved!

• Pack your pills. If you’re traveling, be sure to bring all daily medications with you. It’s a good idea to pack extra medication too, in the event that a travel delay causes you to get home later than planned.

• Flying to see family? Immobility for extended periods of time may raise the risk of a blood clot. If you’re on a long flight, try to stand up and walk a few times if possible. Doing calf raises in your seat is an easy way to improve blood flow in your legs.

Wishing you a happy, healthy, and safe holiday season!