IS YOUR HOME HEART HEALTHY? 2 Signs Your House Is Hurting Your Heart
where mold, mildew, and bacteria can linger and grow. You then breathe in these spores and spread these toxins throughout your body. Low Access to Activity Part of a heart-healthy lifestyle includes movement. Where you live can have a significant impact on this endeavor. For instance, neighborhoods that have poor “walkability” — like limited sidewalk access or dangerous infrastructure — may force residents to stay indoors. Furthermore, small spaces that don’t allow for at-home workouts don’t encourage exercise. You can combat these factors in a number of ways. For starters, contractors and professional organizers can help those with smaller homes install or design their space for better movement. Petitioning your city or neighborhood board to improve walking conditions can benefit the whole neighborhood. You can also search for “exercises for small spaces” on YouTube for more ideas on at-home workouts. To learn more about how you can improve your home to boost your health, speak with an HVAC or home repair expert.
When it comes to proper heart health, there is no shortage of advice. Getting regular exercise, eating fruits and vegetables daily, limiting alcohol intake, and avoiding smoking are just some of the heart-healthy directives doctors give their patients.
But what if your home is hindering your cardiovascular health? It’s possible! Consider the following high-risk factors of an unhealthy home.
Poor Air Quality We like to think of our home as a safe place to live, work, and play, but the very air you breathe in the home can be dangerous. A 2016 study published by the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) found that long- term exposure to toxins in the air can age blood vessels and lead to greater buildup in the heart’s arteries, which increases the chance for heart attack and stroke. To determine if the air in your home needs intervention, simply pay attention to your body’s signals. Signs of poor air quality may include regular headaches, nausea, frequent sneezing or sinus dryness, and coughing or breathing issues. Your house may also have unexplainable hot or cold spots, which could indicate poor air circulation and therefore poor air quality. This creates an environment
CHOCOLATE PECAN FONDUE Inspired by TasteOfHome.com
TAKE A BREAK
This Valentine’s Day, forget the entree! Surprise your honey with a delicious chocolate treat!
Directions
Ingredients
• 1/2 cup half-and-half cream • 2 tbsp honey • 9 oz semisweet chocolate, broken into pieces • 1/4 cup pecans, finely chopped • 1 tsp vanilla extract • Fresh fruit of your choice
1. In a sturdy saucepan over low heat, combine cream and honey. Stir until mixed thoroughly and heat until warm. 2. Add in chocolate, stirring until melted. 3. Stir in pecans and vanilla. 4. Transfer to a fondue pot or a slow cooker to keep warm. 5. Serve with fruit, cookies, and marshmallows of your choice.
• Shortbread cookies • Large marshmallows
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