8 Simple Steps to a Healthy Heart and Body: A Holistic Approach

Choosing a path toward a lifetime of better health begins with simple, but powerful steps. Common cardiometabolic conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity present significant health challenges. These conditions are connected and often appear together, creating a "triple threat" that increases the risk for serious health problems, especially cardiovascular disease. Understanding your heart health risks is the first step toward taking control.

Ochsner Digital Medicine recommends following the American Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8. This checklist offers a framework to strengthen your heart health and improve your overall well-being. The eight steps provide a holistic approach to managing your health:

1. Eat better
2. Be more active
3. Quit tobacco
4. Get healthy sleep
5. Manage weight
6. Control cholesterol
7. Manage blood sugar
8. Manage blood pressure

In this video, Ochsner Digital Medicine Medical Director, Kenny Cole, MD, MS, presents an in-depth explanation of each step, giving guidance on how to use these recommendations to lead a healthier life. 

The Ochsner Digital Medicine program is another effective tool to manage your health. The program helps you treat high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes or excess weight holistically by providing the support and tools you need to build healthier habits. After watching the video, please visit the Digital Medicine website to learn more.