Take Care of Your Heart! February is Heart Health Month!
Why do we observe American Heart Month every February? Well, every year more than 600,000 Americans die from heart disease, see Statistics. The number one cause of deaths for most groups, heart disease affects all ages, genders, and ethnicities. Risk factors include high cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, and excessive alcohol use.
Do you know how to keep your heart health? You can take an active role in reducing your risk for heart disease by eating a healthy diet, engaging in physical activity, and managing your cholesterol and blood pressure. This is a great chance to start some heart-healthy habits!
HOW TO OBSERVE AMERICAN HEART MONTH:
- Take up a heart-healthy habit
Staying active, eating healthy, and watching our weight are all important parts of maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system. Pick a new heart-healthy habit like jogging or substituting sodas with water and try to stick to it for a whole month.
- Educate yourself
Learn about the risk factors for heart disease, the ways that you can prevent them, and the lifestyle choices that can help you stay healthy.
- Get your cholesterol tested
If you are worried you might be at risk for heart disease, ask your doctor to perform a simple cholesterol test to let you know if you are at risk and should adjust your diet.
5 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT HEART HEALTH:
- Heart attacks can be silent
One in five heart attacks occurs without the person even knowing they had one.
- Heart attacks effect women differently
Woman may experience different symptoms than men. These include pain in the back, arm, neck, or shoulder; nausea; fatigue; shortness of breath; and vomiting.
- Young woman are at higher risk than men
Woman under the age of 50 are twice as likely to die of a heart attack as men in the same age group.
- Another reason to hate Mondays
Heart attacks are more likely to occur on Monday mornings than other days of the week. Scientist’s attribute this to the disruption in our circadian rhythm over the weekend which leads to increased blood pressure and other changes to the nervous system.
- Diet soda raises heart attack risk
If you drink one or more diet sodas a day, your chances of having a heart attack are 43% higher than those who drink regular soda or none at all.
