Summertime and the living is easy – but for your heart, the warmest season of the year can be a challenge.

Though higher temperatures tend to lower your blood pressure, the heat and humidity can still cause problems for your heart.

As the thermometer heats up, we’ve partnered with the national Measure Up/Pressure Down® high blood pressure campaign to give you tips for heart-healthy living this summer:

• Hydrate with healthy drinks. While a cold beer or soft drink sounds refreshing when the sun is shining, they can be dehydrating. Consider healthier options such as unsweetened iced tea, fruit smoothies, or non-alcoholic versions of your favorite drinks.
• Sweat under the sun. It only takes 30 minutes a day to lower your blood pressure. With the snow melted, hit the outdoors for hiking, swimming, tennis, or golf. When the heat or humidity is unbearable, opt for indoor activities like the treadmill or yoga.
• Refresh your diet with fresh produce. Many fruits and vegetables – from bell peppers and blueberries to strawberries and sugar snap peas – are in-season during the summer, meaning they’re often more fresh and affordable than other times of year. Incorporate these healthy foods into summer recipes.
• Tame travel-related stress. High levels of stress can lead to temporary but dramatic increases in blood pressure. Traveling often triggers stress, particularly when summer storms delay or cancel flights or your day at the waterpark is a washout. Find ways to manage this stress – like meditation or laughter.

To measure, monitor, and maintain your blood pressure all year round and learn more about this disease, please visit http://www.measureuppressuredown.com/.