Keeping your heart healthy isn’t just a personal journey, it’s something the whole family can benefit from. When families work together, heart-healthy habits become easier and more fun. The experts at San Juan Regional Heart Center have some tips on how you can involve your loved ones in building a stronger, healthier heart:
Heart-Healthy Eating
- Cook Together: Get kids and family members involved in preparing meals. It’s a great way to teach nutrition while making cooking fun.
- Plan Balanced Plates: Use the plate method, which breaks down to 50 percent vegetables, 25 percent lean proteins, and 25 percent whole grains.
- Try New Foods: Explore different healthy recipes and make it a game to find new favorite dishes.
Get Moving Together
- Family Walks and Bike Rides: A great way to bond while staying active. Learn more about the heart-healthy benefits of walking here.
- Dance Parties: Put on some music and dance around the house, it’s fun AND gets your heart pumping.
- Weekend Adventures: Hikes, park visits, or playing sports together make exercise feel like play, not a chore. Get out and explore this beautiful corner of the world we live in. For a great guide to parks and walking trails in Farmington, check out Step Out.
Better Sleep for the Whole Family
- Set a consistent bedtime to help everyone get seven to nine hours of quality sleep per night.
- Create a screen-free wind-down routine to promote restful sleep.
Stress Less, Love More
- Practice family relaxation with deep breathing, yoga, or quiet time together.
- Encourage open conversations, a happy heart is a healthy heart!
Make Healthier Lifestyle Choices Together
- Support each other in cutting back on processed foods, sugar, and salty snacks.
- If a family member smokes, encourage them to quit together for better heart health.
- Set screen limits and swap TV time for active play or outdoor fun.
Small Steps, Big Impact
When families support each other, healthy habits become part of daily life. Whether it’s cooking a nutritious meal, taking a walk, or reducing stress, every little step adds up to a stronger heart for everyone.