February is Heart Awareness month in New Zealand. This is an ideal time to support the Heart Foundation's work, and encourage people to have their heart health checked. 

5 top tips to look after your overall health and reduce heart disease: 

1. Eat a balanced nutritious diet including veggies, fruit, wholegrains, protein and healthy fats. Limit saturated and trans fats, salt (sodium), and added sugars. 

1. Enjoy regular exercise – find something you love doing - this can include brisk walking, jogging, swimming, or cycling. 

1. Quit smoking and limit alcohol intake for immediate and long-term benefits for your health. 

1. Manage stress and get a good sleep - think about stress-reducing activities such as deep breathing, meditation, yoga, or hobbies you’re interested in. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. 

1. Drink plenty of water to maintain overall health and support cardiovascular function. 

At Mission Nutrition we have a fabulous team of experienced nutritionists and dietitians who can all help with heart-related health concerns such as high cholesterol and blood pressure. 

If you would like individualised one-on-one advice to support you on your journey, make a booking with one of our team online, or reach out to our Clinic Manager, Hayley, to answer any questions you have and she can help organise a booking for you.  

Note: always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you have regarding a medical condition.