February is American Heart Month and a time to focus on cardiovascular health. It’s critical that nurses take their own health just as seriously as the health of their patients.
The following are 4 ways nurses can boost their heart health and help prevent heart disease:
- Exercise regularly- At least 30-60 minutes of physical activity daily can lower your risk of heart disease. If you’d rather spend your days off just relaxing, use your shift breaks to go for a walk outside and even try some light jogging.
- Prepare your meal before a shift - Bring heart-healthy foods with you to work so that you avoid stopping at the vending machines and to limit your intake of sugar, salt, and fats.
- Prioritize quality sleep - Not getting enough sleep can result in many health problems. Most adults need at least seven hours of sleep each night. Set a sleep schedule and stick to it by going to bed and waking up at the same time even when you’re not scheduled to work. Keep your bedroom dark and quiet to make it easier to sleep.
- Manage stress - Coping with stress in unhealthy ways like overeating, drinking or smoking can cause damage to your heart. The life of a nurse can be extremely stressful so it’s important to find alternative ways to manage your stress, like moderate physical activity, practicing mindfulness and meditation.
For information about open nursing positions and other health care career opportunities, contact ACCESS Nursing Services, www.accessnursing.com.
About ACCESS Nursing Services
ACCESS Nursing Services, founded in 1985, is a leading regional provider of healthcare personnel to individual patients, as well as prestigious healthcare systems throughout New York and New Jersey. With more than 2,000 private duty nurses; RNs, LPNs, Aides, and caregivers in five city-center offices and seven hospital-based offices, ACCESS Nursing also offers a top-level Private Duty Nursing service, offering private nursing care in the hospital that can transition with you back home. For more information, www.accessnursing.com.
