Winter 2026 7 Have a heart-healthy new year As we step into a new year, it’s the perfect time to show your heart a little extra love. Heart disease remains one of the leading health challenges we face, but the good news is that small, consistent changes can make a big difference. Instead of setting big resolutions, consider making simple, sustainable choices that support your heart health. “Good health is not a sprint—it’s a lifelong marathon,” says Family and Sports Medicine Physician Jaeeun Go, MD. For starters, Dr. Go offers these heart-healthy tips: Take a brisk walk. Aim for at least 150 weekly minutes of heart-healthy aerobic exercise, or about 30 minutes on five days a week. But you don’t have to do it all at once. “For example, you can do five-minute walks after breakfast, seven-minute walks after lunch, eight minutes of stair-walking at work and 10 minutes of jogging in the evening,” notes Dr. Go. “That’s 30 minutes of moderate activity, and you’ve reached your goal to help reduce your heart disease risk.” Know your heart numbers. See your doctor for blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar checks, as needed. High blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes can silently hurt your heart. Address stress. Chronic stress may harm the heart over time. Feeling tense? Try this: “In moments when you just need to reset, try what’s called the 4-7-8 breathing technique,” Dr. Go suggests. “Inhale for four seconds, hold for seven seconds, then exhale for eight seconds. It’s something you can do at your desk.” Eat the rainbow. Eating an assortment of different colored fruits and vegetables can help you start eating better for your heart. Different colors offer different nutrients. “Having a rich color palette is easy to implement and can encourage a heart-healthy diet,” Dr. Go says. Get a heart checkup For an appointment with Dr. Go, visit TexasHealthMansfield.org/Go. Heart attack signs: Men vs. women Common for women and men: ● Chest and upper body discomfort. More common for women than men: ● Indigestion ● Nausea ● Fatigue ● Back, neck, jaw or throat pain ● Shortness of breath Suspect a heart attack? Call 911.
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