February is Heart Health Month

Heart disease is the number one killer in both men and women  in the United States, with close to 85 million Americans living with heart disease including heart attack, high blood pressure and chest pain, but, with action can be significantly reduced. On a more positive note, we have had so many medical advancements since the 1980's, there are less people dying each year from heart-related diseases. Even today, the American Heart Association is constantly conducting research and raising awareness to Americans about improving cardiovascular health. 

On February 5, 2017, American Heart Health Month is celebrated by Wear Red Day to help promote awareness for heart health education and prevention. One of the most important things to help us reduce the prevalence of heart disease is proving more knowledge and education to society about how to prevent it and keep your heart healthy.

• Regular Exercise
• This does not mean that you have to become an avid gym-goer or marathon runner. However, you would get in some activity for at least 30 minutes 3-5 times per week. Physical inactivity greatly increases your risk for heart disease. 
• Heart Healthy Diet
• Adopt a diet that is low in sodium and saturated fats and high in un-saturated fats. 
• Avoid Smoking and Excessive Alcohol
• Being a smoker and drinking excessive alcohol doubles your chance of having a heart attack due to heart-related disease. While an occasional drink is fine, you do not want to exceed more than 1 drink a day.
• Maintain a Normal Body Weight
• Having extra weight on the body put more stress of your heart and give you more of a chance ob being obese, having high blood pressure and cholesterol and increasing your risk for Type 2 Diabetes
• Know Your Risk Factors
• Things such as age, gender, family history and previous medical history are all factors you should know. These things could contribute to getting diagnosed with heart disease, so the more you know, the more willing you will be to do things to prevent it. 
• Maintain Stress Levels
• Stress, anxiety and depression are all things that have been shown to have an impact of heart disease. While we all will have stressors and anxiety throughout our lifetime, being able to manage them and keep them at bay will help our heart health.