February has always been special to a lot of people for being the love month. But other than the popular Valentine’s Day celebration, Filipinos may not be aware that it is also when we celebrate our “hearts” quite literally. February is designated as the Philippine Heart Month, which aims to spread awareness on cardiovascular health. According to the Department of Health, heart-related diseases or cardiovascular diseases are the leading causes of death in the country. Furthermore, the count of cardiovascular disease-related deaths have been spiking for a couple of years already without any signs of slowing down.
The Philippine Heart Association and other similar organizations strongly recommend good and balanced diet, regular exercise, and generally a healthy lifestlye as ways to keep the heart free from any cardiovascular disease.
Physical inactivity, stress, unhealthy diet, and harmful vices have been identified as poor lifestyle choices that bring the Filipino population closer to heart diseases. What may have been disregarded by many is the fact that one’s environment can also be a huge factor in optimizing heart health. This is why it is essential to have a residence far from factors contributing to heart disease. Let’s look at ways how one’s home affects heart health.
Your home’s location determines food choices
The primary culprit for cardiovascular diseases is poor nutrition or unhealthy diet. Living in the metropolis gives people more access to fast-food restaurants that mostly offer processed foods with many trans fats, bad cholesterol, preservatives, and other substances that pose a threat to heart health. Moreover, consumption of this type of food for a long period of time can lead to high blood pressure and similar diseases.
Aside from unhealthy food choices, whole foods in grocery stores found mostly in highly urbanized cities are more expensive than in local markets. To make matters worse, the prices of certain produce and lean meats have increased due to inflation and rising fuel prices.
Your home location is therefore a controbuting factor to your heart health because it determines the available resources, food choices and what you can prepare in your kitchen.
Your home determines your lifestyle
Exercise is essential to a healthy mind and body. According to a study, moderate to vigorous daily physical activity can reduce your chances of having heart disease by 48-57%. With Metro Manila’s congestion, many people live in homes that do not have adequate spaces for physical activity.
While there are fitness gyms in Metro Manila, not everyone has access to these facilities. Physical inactivity coupled with unhealthy meal consumption can lead to weight gain and obesity. If not resolved, these people run higher risk of suffering from heart disease.
According to reports, obesity is one of the fastest-growing epidemics in the country, affecting over 28.8% of people living in the National Capital Region. Aside from poor nutrition, lack of exercise contributes to this statistic. Aside from not having access to gyms and wellness centers, there are limited spaces for jogging or even brisk walking in the metropolis.
Obesity can lead to different heart defects. One way of combating obesity is walking at least 7,000 steps per day to reach a healthy weight goal. Homeowners in gated communities can do more than these steps, as basketball courts, swimming pools, jogging spaces, and even fitness centers that contribute to a healthy lifestyle are at their disposal.
Housing determines pollutants
Smoking, which in fact is a major cause of global fatalities, is another factor that can harm your cardiovascular health. Habitual smoking leads to plaque forming around blood vessels that ultimately limit blood flow. However, unlike cigarette smoking which can totally be stopped, air pollution is something that cannot be controlled. Unfortunately, people living in cities are more exposed to air pollution, which can lead to heart disease.
According to the American Heart Association, substandard housing quality affects Americans’ overall physical and mental health. Living in a house filled with roofing problems, mold, pests, and air pollutants can contribute to developing heart diseases. On the other hand, living in lush green communities with recreational amenities is better for a healthy lifestyle.
The study also suggests that living in neighborhoods with a high crime rate can also affect your heart health. Given this, living in a gated community that have roving security guards and CCTV cameras that ensure the safety of its homeowners is most ideal.
Tips for better heart health
Eating foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish, seeds, and nuts, is best to have better heart health. Instead of deep-frying, you can opt for healthier alternatives such as air-frying or other cooking methods. Refraining from smoking and alcohol can also contribute to your heart health.
Daily exercise is also vital in maintaining heart health. However, it is best not to overwork yourself. Rest and eight hours of sleep are essential to keep your heart rate at a proper level. According to experts, people who lack sleep have a higher chance of developing heart disease in the long run.
If you are a woman over 45 or a man over 55, you should have regular checkups if your family has a history of heart disease. Maintain a healthy lifestyle to prevent high cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure.
Home is where the heart is
Your home can contribute to your heart health, according to several studies. This is why choosing your home wisely is essential, as it can affect your overall wellness. For over 45 years, Camella has been championing retirees, young professionals and starting families with beautifully crafted homes in strategic locations.
Camella projects are located near shopping malls and public markets for easy access. With Camella’s access to major shopping centers and marketplaces, homeowners can have healthier food choices for their families. More importantly, Camella is strategically located near hospitals to provide adequate healthcare for its homeowners.
Camella communities also value the importance of having healthy minds and bodies. This is why Camella house and lot developments have dedicated spaces for jogging, sports, and other fitness activities, while, Camella’s vertical villages house fitness gyms inside the condominiums.
As you visit a Camella project nearest you, lush green spaces and pocket parks automatically welcome you. These green spaces are not just for aesthetics. Camella wants its homeowners to be as close to nature as possible.
Camella also ensures that only quality materials are used in building homes and condominium projects.
On top of these features, Camella communities are gated and protected by roving guards and 24/7 CCTV surveillance. Inside a Camella community, there is peace, serenity, and safety, where all you have to do is relax and live life to the fullest.
Camella is also a place for wellness and recreation. With all of Camella’s features and reputation as a home builder, don’t think twice about investing in your very own Camella home. All you have to do is follow your heart.
