2014, the year I turn 40.
tick-tick-tick.
I’m getting old. Or at least older.
I am starting to feel it as well. A crick in the back after a day of building fences, a slower start to my runs in the morning, and longer days recovering from activity.
I have more greys in my hair and my laughs lines are progressing to “moderately smiling” lines. I am becoming my mother.
Weirdest thing. I remember when my parents were 40. They seemed so old. So very, very old.
But, inside. . . I still feel 29. Or maybe 31? Younger anyway. I don’t feel as old as I thought my parents were, and I don’t feel like I should now be “Mrs Nowell” or anything icky like that.
And as I battle the conflicting emotions of the BIG FOUR-OH, I am starting to do things to ensure that I am able torecognize my own youth.
Exercising, again, after a 1 year absence. Reminding my body that it DOES like to run! Eating healthy, ditching the “extra serving” and not opening that 2nd beer. And working on my strength, which has always been so important, especially with a landscaper hubby who frequently request that I “grab that big rock” and bring it over.
And check ups. Checking in with my Dr and making sure everything is operating “as it should” and participating in programs that support Health.
With February being Heart Health month, I even took a few minutes to check my “heart age” via the Heart Age Calculator available at Shoppers Drug Mart.ca.
By assessing my general health, demographics and family history, plus a few more bits, they were able to really boost my ego when they estimated my heart’s health at 36.5 years.
And, it’s for REAL! It is the only scientifically validated online tool available that provides a personalized heart age and cardiovascular risk profile recommended by the Canadian Cardiovascular Society Guidelines
And the best part? I am YOUNGER than I thought.
So, from now on, 40 isn’t going to scare me. In fact, I am going to start saying that even though I am almost 40 in years, my heart is much, much younger.
Take the Heart Age Calculator test and see how you are doing, and what (if any) changes you can make to improve your overall Heart Health. It will only take a second, and doesn’t hurt one bit!
With heart disease being one of the leading causes of death in Canada, understanding the factors that influence our heart age is an important step in reducing our risks. Several factors influence your heart age, including blood pressure levels, cholesterol, and the presence of risk factors like smoking.
And remember, knowledge is power when it comes to Heart Health, and research shows that understanding and knowing the cardiovascular age of your heart will lead to better health management. And as we know, it is never too late to start taking care of your heart.
So, starting today, lets try and improve our Heart Health by following these Simple Steps to be Heart Healthy
a) Stop Smoking
b) Monitor your blood pressure
c) Apply an active lifestyle
d) Regulate your Cholesterol Levels
e) Take Control
Don’t delay, your heart may be older than you think it is.
Disclosure – Although this post has been sponsored by Shoppers Drug Mart Inc., the opinions and language are all my own, and in no way do they reflect the views, opinions or positions of Shoppers Drug Mart Inc. or its affiliates or licensees. Shoppers Drug Mart Inc. makes no representation as to accuracy, completeness, suitability or validity of any information within this blog post and will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information or for any losses, injuries or damages arising from its display or use.