Give your man the gift of health this Valentine’s Day. Check out these heart healthy tips for the special one in your life.Have a Heart-to-Heart
When it comes to encouraging your mate to be healthier, remember that he is not a child, says Be Well expert Dr. Marianne Legato, author of Why Men Never Remember and Women Never Forgetand Why Men Die First: How to Lengthen Your Lifespan. Don’t nag, cajole or trick your guy into healthier behavior, Dr. Legato advises. Instead, give him clear reasons about why he should improve his heart health. “All of us, particularly men, hate long harangues and reproaches—keep it simple, short and convincing,” she says.
Schedule Regular Screenings
The simple fact is women usually outlive men. The reason? “Men are socialized to ignore their ailments, to portray themselves as invulnerable and to forge ahead no matter what their physical or emotional handicaps,” says Dr. Legato.
Men age 30 and older should be getting an annual physical and any recommended screenings. Since coronary artery disease can start developing in a man’s 30s, it’s important for guys to be proactive about monitoring their heart health.
Stress Less – Together!
Stress can increase anxiety, exacerbate high blood pressure and even lead to overeating. And that can hurt your heart. Don’t let stressful situations at home get out of hand. Dr. Legato recommends that couples resolve problems as they arise, and once a fight is done, move on.
“Periodic changes of scenery, even modest weekend getaways are enormously helpful,” says Dr. Legato. “Leave the children with someone you trust and spend some time together.”
The Couple That Exercises Together…
The average adult should be exercising 30 to 60 minutes on most days of the week. It can lower blood pressure and cholesterol, improve mood and help manage weight. It may even help put the spark back into your sex life.
“My favorite is dancing,” says Dr. Legato. Try taking tango lessons or turning on the stereo in your living room. If you’ve got two left feet, put on sneakers instead of tap shoes and go walking or bicycling together.
Make the Most of Mealtime
You’ve probably heard the news: Olive oil contains heart-healthy fats, portion size is key for managing your weight, the omega-3s in fish promote heart health and fat-free milk’s got the calcium and vitamin D your body needs with fewer calories than regular milk. If you are the primary cook at home, you are in charge of most of what your family eats.
“Most men and children will eat what they’re served,” says Dr. Legato. And they won’t snack on something if it isn’t in the pantry.
Get Him to Quit
Did you know that it’s easier for men to quit smoking because their addiction to nicotine is less powerful than women’s? Still, your man may need encouragement to contact his doctor about making a plan to quit, which may include nicotine replacement with patches or gum.
Remind him that his habit affects the whole family, says Dr. Legato. “Children’s asthma soars in a smoking household and lung cancer in a nonsmoking partner is often a consequence as well.”
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