Be Heart Smart

February 8, 2023

This February marks the 57^th year that the US commemorates American Heart Month, a time that spotlights the number one leading cause of death in our country – heart disease.  1 in 3 women are diagnosed with heart disease annually and it is still the leading cause of death worldwide. In 2019 alone, 18.6 million deaths globally were attributed to cardiovascular disease. 

Heart health took an even bigger hit over the last three years with the Covid epidemic causing people to delay emergency trips to the hospital for heart attacks and strokes, as well as routine trips to the doctor for annual checkups.  Add to that the increase in unhealthy behaviors that saw an uptick during lockdown – unhealthy eating, increased alcohol consumption, and decreased physical activity – and you have a recipe for disaster.

Now is the time to take control and right the heart health ship. If you or someone you love is experiencing cardiovascular issues, make sure you are taking the necessary steps. First and foremost, get to the doctor and find out what is going on.  Next, arm yourself with knowledge. Know what makes for a healthy heart lifestyle and work on taking steps to achieve each of the following:

• Maintaining a Healthy Weight
• Eating Healthfully
• Not Smoking
• Controlling Blood Pressure
• Controlling Blood Sugar and Cholesterol
• Exercising Daily
• Scheduling Routine Checkups with Your Doctor