Toxic relationships are out, and healthy relationships are (always) in! It's time to say goodbye to heartaches, and what better way to start than to focus on your health?

Self-love means working on personal growth. It also means caring for physical well-being, including making sure your heart is happy and healthy.

Dyslipidemia, or elevated levels of bad cholesterol, affects almost half of Filipino adults. For a heartache-free 2024, here are three healthy relationships to focus on this year.

Relationship with eating

Eating our favorite food may make us feel better, especially on bad, stressful days. But before ordering pizza or opening that pint of ice cream, it's time to redefine one's eating habits.

Contrary to popular belief, healthy food does not equate to bland, boring food. You can indulge in food that tastes good and can make your body feel good. The key is to eat in moderation and avoid using and consuming ingredients that can cause an increase in your bad cholesterol levels.

For instance, the simple act of swapping pork or beef with white meat or skinless chicken, which are lower in saturated fat can turn pasta into a less guilty pleasure. And for those with a sweet tooth, why not explore alternatives like soy milk in making desserts? Soy-based foods have less saturated fats than animal-based products and may reduce cholesterol levels.

Relationship with exercise

There's nothing like a good workout to keep the body moving. It's well-known that physical activity can improve overall health, from lifting your mood to strengthening your bones and muscles, and it can also lower your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Committing to a regular exercise routine allows for proper weight management and chronic disease management. It is generally recommended to get a minimum of 150 minutes of exercise a week, and you can build up to this and start seeing the benefits of physical activity even if you are not reaching this generally recommended target.

Hate going to the gym? There are simple ways to stay physically active, even in the comfort of your home, like lifting weights and even doing yoga.

Discuss with your doctor the physical activities or exercises that are best suited for you.

Relationship with healthcare provider

How often should we schedule that (check-up) date with our doctors? The general recommendation is that people who are under 50 and do not have existing medical conditions can have their check-ups once every three years, while those 50 years and older should start going annually.

There are many benefits to a simple doctor's visit. Dyslipidemia, for example, can be asymptomatic, making it difficult for people to know if they are at risk. A study shows that general health checks led to increased detection of chronic illnesses. So, don't forget to set a check-up date — ask your doctor for a treatment plan that best suits your condition.

Working on these relationships may require certain lifestyle changes, but the switch brings tremendous benefits to your heart health. Leave the toxic habits behind and make sure you give your heart some loving and caring this year.

Driven by their shared commitment to upholding the health and well-being of Filipinos, Sanofi Philippines and A.Menarini Philippines continue to advocate for healthy hearts, especially during Heart Month.