Stay on top of your heart health with the help of these 6 monitoring tools
February is Heart Health Month, a time to focus on your cardiovascular well-being and take steps to protect your heart. You can help prevent heart disease by managing factors like diet, exercise and sleep. Adding more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein and nuts is an excellent path to a heart-healthy diet. So is limiting saturated and trans fats, added sugar and sodium.
Try exercising regularly – the American Heart Association recommends 150 minutes of moderate activity per week. Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep per night. Sleep is important for heart health because it allows your heart to rest and recover. If you are having trouble sleeping, these items can help improve your sleep routine.
The best defense against heart disease is prevention. Understanding the signs of heart disease, the risk factors, and how to check your heart health at home is a significant first step in improving your heart health. You can take steps at home to monitor your heart health.
Here are six items that can help you keep track of your blood pressure, cholesterol and heart rate:
The 3D Tri-sport Walking 3D pedometer uses tri-accelerometer technology to measure steps accurately. This basic step counter is easy to set up and use and works in any position. You can wear it in your pocket, clip it to your waist, wear it around your neck on the included lanyard or even place it in your bag. It records steps (walking and running), distance, calories burned and exercise time. You can buy this pedometer in pink and on sale for $24.99 on Amazon.
Record how much physical activity you do and when you do strength exercises. This 12-week wellness journal from Papier is an excellent choice because it lets you track physical and mental health progress. Detailed daily pages include space for goals and intentions and space for tracking habits that contribute to a healthy lifestyle, like sleep and meals. This fitness log, $8.99 on Amazon, has space for 180 detailed entries.
Read On The Fox News App
Eat Healthy In The New Year With The Help Of These 10 Items
Original price: $22.99
Use a heart rate monitor or check your pulse to see if your heart rate is regular. This pulse oximeter from Amazon clips onto your finger to track pulse rate and blood oxygen levels and conveniently displays the information on a large digital LED display. You can also easily monitor your heart rate while on the go with this Google Pixel watch, $100 from Walmart.
9 Supplements You Can Take To Kick Off The New Year Healthier
If you have diabetes, use a glucose meter to check your blood sugar levels. Contour Next One is a simple-to-use, budget-friendly meter that reads in five seconds. It also connects to an app to log and share readings with a doctor. The Metene TD-4116 Blood Glucose Monitor Kit, $34 on Amazon, is fast, easy to use and delivers accurate results according to reviews.
Use an over-the-counter kit to measure your cholesterol levels. The QuCare Complete is a home-based blood test kit that allows you to measure your total cholesterol level in your blood. The package contains enough materials to perform two separate tests. You can buy this at-home test from Amazon for $22.99.
For more deals, visit www.foxnews.com/category/deals
Use a blood pressure monitor to track your blood pressure. The OMRON Platinum Blood Pressure Monitor stores up to 200 readings for two users, with 100 readings per user. This Braun ExactFit 3 automatic blood pressure monitor, $55 at Walmart, takes measurements from the upper arm.Original article source: Stay on top of your heart health with the help of these 6 monitoring tools
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
43 minutes ago
- Yahoo
MAGA loyalist warns ‘declining' Trump: ‘Collapse' is coming
Far-right conspiracy theorist Alex Jones is urging President Donald Trump to cut back on his schedule before the 'crisis gets worse.' During his InfoWars show, Jones on Wednesday warned Trump of dire consequences if he doesn't begin to delegate his agenda and reduce the number of hours he works every week. 'You could see him declining faster and faster. He's not super bad yet, but unlike Biden... Trump has got great genetics, he's tough, and if he takes care of himself, he can make it through these years and then after," Jones said. Jones went on to predict that Trump, who is 79, is 'going to have some type of collapse' within the next year if he continues on what he described as 'the current trajectory.' 'I'm not saying he's going to collapse. I'm saying if he doesn't take his foot off the gas pedal, I guarantee it, and I got stamina, way better than most people," Jones said. 'If I had Trump's job at 51, for a month, I would have a nervous breakdown, so this isn't a criticism of Trump, but it would be like taking an ultra marathon running and saying, 'You can run 100 miles in two days? How about 300 in two days?' You can't do it,' he continued. Jones maintained that he has a 'responsibility' to share his concerns — even if it will 'hurt the pro-human liberty' agenda. He said that the president has been through 'nine years of hell,' and now 'a lightbulb is starting to go out," pleading Trump to work 14 hours rather than 20. Jones pointed to Trump's diagnosis of chronic venous insufficiency, in which veins in the legs can't properly carry blood back to the heart. In Trump's case, it has led to his 'swollen ankles,' according to Jones, who claimed the president's ankles during his recent summit in Alaska appeared 'really big' and 'look like they're about 15 inches around.' 'That's not a good sign for the heart and the rest of the body, because the rest of him — he's lost weight, he's not that fat. So Trump really needs to exercise and take care of himself. That's not good," Jones said. '...Trump is a maniac. He's our maniac. But he's like a race horse,' he added. Jones, who called Trump 'extremely driven,' also noted Trump's comments made earlier this week in a Fox News interview. The president said he wants to 'get to heaven if possible,' but joked, 'I'm hearing I'm not doing well.' 'I don't think Trump's going to be able to stop himself. This is the way he is genetically. But if the people around him could just get him to take off one day a week — if he could just go play golf and watch movies and have some fun — he deserves it," Jones said later in the episode. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to
New York Post
an hour ago
- New York Post
Get up to 35% off Crest 3D Whitestrips with 90,000 already sold last month
New York Post may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if you click or buy through our links. Featured pricing is subject to change. Tired of stained, yellow teeth that ruin the moment from first dates to job interviews? We've got you. Crest 3D Whitestrips Professional Effects Kit just dropped in price for Amazon's Labor Day sale, getting your smile in ship shape. This number one bestseller has nearly 100,000 rave reviews and 90,000 sold last month alone, and now it's just $29.99, a fraction of what you'd pay for an in-office whitening session. With professional-level results up to 19 shades whiter, this kit lets you enjoy the same transformation without dropping hundreds of dollars at the dentist. Thanks to the advanced no-slip grip, you can wear them while talking, moving around, or even sipping water, making it one of the most convenient ways to refresh your smile before work, dinner, or a big event. We also found Crest toothpaste for sensitive gums at 24% off and an Oral-B electric toothbrush at a $30 discount! If you're not already a Prime member, get a free 30-day trial that provides fast shipping at no extra cost to you, streaming and more. Amazon Crest 3D Whitestrips Professional Effects lift away years of tough stains, revealing a visibly brighter smile in just days. The enamel-safe formula delivers professional-level whitening you can trust, all from the comfort of home. With consistent use, you'll see long-lasting results that rival a dentist's office treatment at a fraction of the cost. And with 22 treatments included (20 standard + 2 bonus), you're getting more than enough to complete a full whitening cycle and keep your smile looking fresh. Think of it as self-care that pays off every time you flash your smile, without the sky-high dental bill. For over 200 years, the New York Post has been America's go-to source for bold news, engaging stories, in-depth reporting, and now, insightful shopping guidance. We're not just thorough reporters – we sift through mountains of information, test and compare products, and consult experts on any topics we aren't already schooled specialists in to deliver useful, realistic product recommendations based on our extensive and hands-on analysis. Here at The Post, we're known for being brutally honest – we clearly label partnership content, and whether we receive anything from affiliate links, so you always know where we stand. We routinely update content to reflect current research and expert advice, provide context (and wit) and ensure our links work. Please note that deals can expire, and all prices are subject to change.
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Yahoo
Are You Actually Using A Walking Pad Properly? Physical Therapists Explain
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." It's fair to be curious about walking pads when you see yet another TikToker racking up an impressive amount of steps indoors. But aside from hitting your step goal (which might not need to be 10,000 steps a day after all), research has linked sitting on your butt for extended periods to everything from back pain to a shorter lifespan. While hitting buy on Amazon sounds like an easy yes, it's important to know how to use a walking pad before you just blindly hop on. As a long-time distance runner, I've never loved sitting for long periods at my desk job. Naturally, I gave in to the under-desk treadmill trend. But too much of a good thing comes with consequences. For example, I ended up with new aches and pains when I overdid it. Overuse injuries are possible from using walking pads, especially when you quickly go from sitting to walking all day, says Meg Darmofal, DPT, a physical therapist at Michigan State University Health Care Physical and Occupational Therapy. Not only that, learning how to use a walking pad effectively can enhance the benefits you'll ultimately get from your machine, says Bert Mandelbaum, MD, sports medicine specialist and co-director of the Regenerative Orthobiologic Center at Cedars-Sinai Orthopaedics in Los Angeles. With that in mind, we tapped experts for their advice on maximizing your walking pad experience, plus how this all factors into your overall do you use a walking pad effectively? For starters, the basics of walking still apply. You'll want to maintain good posture (don't hunch over your computer) when strolling to lower the risk of back and neck pain, says Dawn Duck, DPT, a physical therapist specializing in pelvic health and orthopedic conditions at Top PT in Franklin, Tennessee. While you're at it, she says wearing proper footwear, like walking shoes or running shoes, is also important to help prevent foot pain and other injuries. While it may be part of your usual workday outfit, 'avoid wearing sandals, slippers, or flip-flops,' Duck adds. Once you've got all that squared away, Duck recommends making sure that your walking pad is on a level, stable surface. It's also crucial to understand the controls and safety features before you dive in.'Begin using your walking pad at a slow speed and start with short sessions to get comfortable,' Duck says. 'Maintain proper posture, use the safety features, and take time to explore the settings until you find what works best for you.' And, of course, review the instructions for your walking pad. Each model works differently and has unique features. How long should you walk on a walking pad? It depends. It's easy to look at this as just walking, but remember those overuse injuries I got? I didn't expect them, either. 'Like any type of physical activity, one should walk for a duration that is not an excessive increase in volume from the amount they have been walking prior to receiving the walking pad,' Darmofal says. A good rule of thumb is not to increase mileage by more than 10 percent per week. If you're completely new to using a walking pad, she recommends doing shorter walks during the day and then slowly building up how much you do over time. You can try walking for 10 minutes, sitting for 30, walking for another 10, and going from there. As with any exercise regime, Mandelbaum adds it's crucial to pay attention to how you feel. If you're having any kind of pain, you'll want to scale back. Walking for just 30 minutes a day, five days a week, will help you meet the American Heart Association's activity recommendations, depending on how fast you go. 'These walking sessions don't need to be continuous—you can split them into shorter bouts,' says Duck. But once you build yourself up to having more movement throughout your day, Mandelbaum says you can walk as much as you want, provided you're not dealing with any aches. 'The more activity you get in terms of duration, intensity, and frequency, the more health benefits you're going to get,' he says. Is a walking pad a good workout? Yes and no. 'Walking pads are a good strategy to increase steps in the day, or being on one's feet longer by simply moving,' Darmofal says. But she also points out that this isn't high-intensity exercise—it's more focused on getting you moving and logging more steps. Mandelbaum agrees. 'It's a complementary activity to everything else you're doing,' he says. 'It's not going to be robust enough to compare to the workout you'd get from doing treadmill intervals.' But Duck stresses that there's still value in using a walking pad and points to a small 2023 study published in Occupational Health Science that found that people who used a walking pad while working from home reported physical, mental, social, and work-related perks. 'Walking pads do make a meaningful difference in combating the effects of a sedentary lifestyle,' she says. Is it just as good as walking outside? If you're faced with the option to walk outside or use a walking pad, Mandelbaum recommends getting outside. 'Walking pads are second-best if you're comparing the two,' he says. 'Exercising outside means you've got variation with hills and intensity—it's more diversified outdoors.' Duck agrees, stating that while both 'support cardiovascular, metabolic, mental, and joint health and can lower the risk of chronic illnesses,' exposure to nature can help boost mental health. Walking on a moving belt also requires less effort, adds Darmofal. But most people use walking pads as a way to get in more steps during the workday, not to replace being outside. And experts say that's where the value lies. 'Walking pads remain a great way to stay active, especially when going outside isn't practical,' Duck says. 'They offer the flexibility of indoor use and eliminate concerns about weather or time of day, making it easier to stick with a regular movement routine no matter your schedule or surroundings.' What's the difference between a walking pad and a treadmill? There are some similarities between these machines, but they're definitely different. 'Treadmills are larger devices with typically a greater focus on design to prioritize higher intensity training, changes in incline or speed, and landing mechanics,' Darmofal says. They also tend to have more safety features, such as handrails and multiple stop buttons, since they're used at higher speeds, she points out. Walking pads, on the other hand, prioritize walking in place, adds Darmofal. The Best Walking Pads To Get Started There are plenty of walking pads on the market, which makes it tricky to select one. Luckily, our editors have been testing them for years and found the best along the way. The belt length and width, weight, speed, incline levels, and price were all considered when evaluating each walking Pad $399.99 at Pro Under-Desk Treadmill $319.99 at Pad $249.99 at Pacer $549.99 at Treadmill $349.00 at Treadmill $289.99 at Meet The Experts Dawn Duck, DPT, is a physical therapist specializing in pelvic health and orthopedic conditions at Top PT in Franklin, Tennessee. Meg Darmofal, DPT, is a physical therapist at Michigan State University Health Care Physical & Occupational Therapy. Dr. Bert Mandelbaum, MD, is a sports medicine specialist and co-director of the Regenerative Orthobiologic Center at Cedars-Sinai Orthopaedics in Los Angeles. More Fitness Equipment We Love | | | | | | | | | | | Shop All The Women's Health Training GuidesStrong & Fit After 40 $26.95 at Woman's Guide To Strength Training: Dumbbells $26.95 at Woman's Guide to Strength Training $20.99 at You Might Also Like Jennifer Garner Swears By This Retinol Eye Cream These New Kicks Will Help You Smash Your Cross-Training Goals
