February is American Heart Month

February is American Heart Month

by Clarke & Company Benefits Posted on: February 3, 2014Categories: LiveWell 24/7   

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women. Every year, about 715,000 Americans have a heart attack. About 600,000 people die from heart disease in the United States annually. February is American heart month. What better time than now to be begin your journey to better heart health? Engage family and friends to join you. Don’t become overwhelmed with changes. Do what you can succeed at.

Eat healthy. Choose healthy meals and snacks.

Maintain a healthy weight: The risk for heart disease is increased when are overweight or obese. Do you know your BMI (body mass index)? If you know your height and weight you can calculate your BMI on this website: www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/assessing/index.html.

Be active: It is recommended that adults engage in at least 30 minutes of moderate to intense exercise most days of the week. When your body is physically active you can maintain a healthy weight and lower cholesterol and blood pressure.

Control your blood pressure: Monitor your blood pressure regularly. When you maintain a normal blood pressure you are reducing your risk of heart disease and stroke.

Don’t smoke: In addition to increasing your chance of lung cancer, cigarette smoke significantly increases your risk of heart disease.

Limit alcohol use: Too much alcohol can increase your blood pressure. It is recommended that a man limit his alcohol intake to no more than two drinks per day and women no more than one drink per day.

Know your cholesterol numbers: It is important to know that your cholesterol numbers are in range in order to maintain a healthy heart.

Manage your diabetes: It is important to keep blood sugar levels under control. Talk to your health care provider about treatment options.

Take your medicine: If you are taking medications to treat, diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol be sure to take them according to your health care providers instructions.

Remember each of these steps you take helps your heart be healthier.