with Dina D’alessandro

February is Heart Health Month and Dina the Dietitian is here to help you take care of your ticker. Considering all of the factors that affect our health, we hope the following strategies and tips are easy to follow, especially with your busy schedule as a college student:

• Nutrition plays a huge role in heart health, which is why it’s important to include a variety of richly-colored, vibrant foods in as many meals as possible throughout the day. Leafy greens, berries, avocado, nuts, salmon, and dark chocolate are great at protecting your heart. 

• While indulging in the occasional fried or salty food is fine, be careful not to overdo it. Staying hydrated helps move sodium out of your cells, resulting in better blood circulation. So, be sure to drink enough water and other fluids. Carry a water bottle with you and quickly stop at any of our water stations throughout the buildings on campus to refill.

• Moderate daily movement—like brisk walking (or running to class)—can decrease the risk of heart-related diseases and increase your quality of life. Lehman’s beautiful 37-acre campus should make it easy enough for you to meet your movement goal. Getting your heart and lungs pumping helps deliver oxygen into the bloodstream and to the working muscles (including your brain).

• Proper sleep and stress-reducing activities benefit the heart as well. To increase better sleep quality and quantity, get to bed at a decent time and try to aim for at least 7 hours of sleep each night (no late-night cramming!). To help manage stress and increase mental clarity, consider meditation/praying, breathing exercises, gentle stretches, yoga or getting outside in nature for even as little as 20 minutes a day.

• Excessive alcohol intake can be detrimental in so many ways. If you’re finding yourself drinking frequently, consider reaching out to Lehman’s Counseling Center for help or contact the SAMHSA Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

Need help managing a chronic condition or just looking for some guidance on how to make healthier choices on campus? Schedule a FREE nutrition counseling session with Dina D'alessandro:

Call (718) 960-8900

E-mail med.requirements@lehman.cuny.edu

Visit Old Gym Building, Rm B008