Posted January 30, 2019

 

February is American Heart Month

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. Every year, 1 in 4 deaths are caused by heart disease.

The good news?
Heart disease can often be prevented when people make healthy choices and manage their health conditions. Communities, health professionals, and families can work together to create opportunities for people to make healthier choices.

Make a difference in your community: Spread the word about strategies for preventing heart disease and encourage people to live heart healthy lives.

How can American Heart Month make a difference?
We can use this month to raise awareness about heart disease and how people can prevent it — both at home and in the community.

Here are just a few ideas:

• Encourage families to make small changes, like using spices to season their food instead of salt.

• Motivate teachers and administrators to make physical activity a part of the school day. This can help students start good habits early.

• You can make healthy changes to lower your risk of developing heart disease.

Controlling and preventing risk factors is also important for people who already have heart disease. To lower your risk:

• Ask doctors and nurses to be leaders in their communities by speaking out about ways to prevent heart disease

• Watch your weight

• Quit smoking and stay away from secondhand smoke

• Control your cholesterol and blood pressure

• If you drink alcohol, drink only in moderation

• Get active and eat healthy

 

And of course, make sure to get regular physicals and checkups with your doctor!

 

If you'd like to make an appointment with one of our providers, click here to visit our Practices Page to find a location that's convenient for you.


Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, www.healthfinder.gov