Believe it or not, tea drinkers also have a decreased risk factor for heart disease. Due to its anti-oxidant properties, this is an ideal beverage – especially for those who don’t eat proper amount of fruits and vegetables, which also contain anti-oxidants.

This type of beverage, in addition to fruits and vegetables, are rich in natural anti-oxidants and are, therefore, better for your heart health and overall health profile than supplements.

The bottom line is that, in order to have more control over health of your heart, there are specific types of behaviors and activities that you can integrate into your daily lifestyle.

These include eating a heart-healthy diet, controlling your weight, smoking cessation, controlling diabetes (if present), maintaining healthy cholesterol levels, controlling blood pressure levels, managing stress and participating in a daily exercise program – either by taking a class, enrolling in a gym or health spa, or designing an exercise plan that can be executed at home.

A simple stroll around neighborhood each day will help to control these potential risk factors. Medical professionals prescribe an hour of exercise each day – seven days a week.

Of course, regular medical examinations are a necessary part of your health program, and those who are seeking to reduce their risk of heart disease should be screened for those types of ailments on a regular basis.

Early detection can mean difference between losing your life to heart disease and adding years to your life by taking necessary measures to restore your heart to good health.

3. Special Treats Sometimes you give your loved ones special treats to show you love them. You don’t give them everyday because then they wouldn’t be special. Your body needs special treats too. Treat yourself to a massage, a facial, new clothes, or a mocha latte every once in awhile. When I was a teenager, my mom and I used to go running on local school track. Afterwards, we went to this awesome ice cream shop and treated ourselves to a scrumptious sundae. We didn’t overindulge all time…just once in awhile. Special treats help banish feelings of deprivation.

4. Grace How many times does your loved one say “I’m sorry”? And how many times do you forgive him or her? We all need grace at times, and so do you when it comes to taking care of your body. Maybe you do really well on your diet or exercise plan for two weeks, and then you fall off wagon. For one whole week, you don’t exercise and you don’t follow a healthy eating plan. That’s okay! Forgive yourself and get back on track. You don’t have to completely abandon your plan because you didn’t follow it perfectly.

5. Have Fun! Taking care of and loving your body doesn’t have to be drudgery. Have fun! Find new low-fat recipes that contain your favorite foods. Adjust your attitude toward your health and your body. Exercise is only boring if you view it that way. Find activities you love that exercise your body. When I was in Las Vegas this past month, I was taking a walk in a local family park. I watched a dad and his two children having time of their life. They were riding their bikes and dad was leading way. He created an obstacle course that required kids to ride in circles, up and down ramps, over grass, and around various walkways. They were laughing and having a blast, while exercising their body. This dad knew value of adding fun to a healthy routine.

So, here’s to good health and loving your body even if you don’t like it!