Being a septuagenarian, I would like your esteemed readers –whether young or old– to start taking care of their hearts from today in ways possible. A few well documented tips that I have employed to keep my heart ticking all along these long years are presented here.

1.Brisk walk twenty to thirty mnts a day reduces risk by 20 to 30 per cent. Twenty mnts of pranayam yoga daily is also equally useful]. Elderly persons may avoid hard exercise like aerobics.

2. Maintain BP within 75 to 115 range . Reduce intake of salt and sugar and take foods low in fat. Medication if necessary to keep BP within the range

3. Eat ten to fifteen grams of nuts viz Almonds/Groundnuts/ Walnuts without roasting everyday.

4 Have healthy omega3 fatty acids in the shape of fish oil/capsules, or flaxseed / oil [one tsp]Avoid taking more than a tsp of saturated and trans fats as far as possible

5.A glass of wine is good but more of it is harmful for the health of your heart . Those who are teetotalers may drink green tea instead

6. A cup of freshly prepared gourd juice a day helps open your arteries and keeps your bowls moving. While extracting juice, you may add a tomato plus a bitter gourd to help check your diabetic problem, if any

7..Prepare your own tomato sauce with very little salt and consume two tbsp everyday [but not with potato prantha /samosa]

8. Lay emphasis on your oral health especially your gums by brushing your teeth two to three times a day.

9. Avoid processed and canned foods. Instead, take at least five servings of fresh fruits and fresh veggies a day