February is here, and it’s time to start thinking about hearts, not just for Valentine’s Day but also because it’s American Heart Month. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men & women in the United States and 2nd in Virginia. Every year, 1 in 4 deaths is caused by heart disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
The good news is most cardiovascular disease, and strokes are preventable with a few lifestyle changes like weight loss, exercise, and a healthy diet. Controlling and preventing risk factors is also essential for people who already have heart disease.
As a proud supporter of American Heart Month, Manassas Health & Rehab Center offers these tips to help lower your risk:
- Visit your doctor regularly. High blood pressure and high cholesterol are frequent contributors to heart disease, and with proper monitoring, your doctor can recommend treatments and healthy habits that can help.
- Quit smoking and other tobacco products. Chemicals in tobacco can damage your heart and blood vessels. By smoking, you’re reducing the amount of oxygen that gets into your blood, making your heart work harder to support your other organs.
- Maintain a healthy weight. Over two-thirds of Americans are obese, and the extra body fat increases the risk of high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
- Exercise. By getting the recommended 150 minutes of activity per week, you may lower your blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Plus, exercise has many other benefits, including strengthening your heart and improving your circulation.
- Diet. Limit your high saturated fats, sodium, and added sugars. Start adding more fruit, vegetables, and whole grains into your diets. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NIH), the DASH (Dietary Approaches for Stop Hypertension) diet is a “flexible and balanced eating plan that helps create a heart-healthy eating style for life.”
- Sleep. Unfortunately, 35% of Americans don’t get the recommended amount of sleep. Studies have shown that sleep deprivation is linked to high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes. Getting good quality sleep will restore the body, helps decrease stress.
- Smile. Happiness is part of a healthy heart! “As care providers, we are constantly looking out for the well-being and health of others.” says Delores Darnell, Director of Clinical Compliance with CCR, Inc., “Your heart matters to us, so please consider these general strategies to improve your heart health. Start with a SMILE.”
For more information, visit the American Heart Association website.
