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Here are self-care steps recommended by the experts. Make a promise to yourself to do the following – choose where you want to start on your path.

I WILL...

1. Choose a doctor that has been highly rated for heart disease care
   getbettermaine.org
2. Make healthy food choices daily – Eat at least five fruits/vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free dairy products; do not add salt to your food and do not use food products with a high salt content. Ask for a referral to a nutritionist if you have other health issues like diabetes and are not sure what foods are best to eat given your other health problems.
   dietaryguidelines.gov
3. Be active every day – Your health care team can help you know what is the right amount for you.
   getbettermaine.org (fun ways to exercise)
4. Quit smoking – For assistance, call the Maine Tobacco Helpline at 800-207-1230 – and avoid second-hand smoke.
   tobaccofreemaine.org
5. Limit alcohol to no more than one small drink per day and not use illegal drugs especially cocaine.
   getbettermaine.org (kicking bad habits)
6. Know my numbers – Keep track of important health information, such as your body mass index (BMI), cholesterol, and blood pressure.
7. Get regular medical and dental checkups.
   getbettermaine.org
8. Get enough sleep at night and rest when I need it.
9. Reduce my stress.
   www.nlm.nih.gov/stress
10. Be patient and allow the days or weeks it might take for my heart drugs to start working.
11. Keep a log of all the drugs I am taking including medicines and vitamins I got without a prescription and share that list with my care team. Call 211 for help if I cannot afford to buy my prescriptions.
    prescription log
12. Wash my hands regularly.
13. Talk to my medical team to see if immunizations for the flu and pneumonia are up to date.
    www.cdc.gov/vaccines/
14. Talk to my care team about any concerns or side effects I am having,  including but not limited to depression, and be truthful about what I am doing and what I want answers about.