Are you taking the necessary steps to keep your heart healthy?

February is federally designated as American Heart Month since 1963. This month raises awareness about how vital it is for Americans to focus on their heart health. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death globally. In America, there is one death from cardiovascular disease every 38 seconds. By making modest changes to your lifestyle and diet you can lower your risk by as much as 80 percent. Risk factors for cardiovascular disease include high cholesterol and high triglycerides, high blood pressure, diabetes and prediabetes, being overweight and obesity, smoking, lack of physical activity, diet, and stress. Here are some ways you can lower your risk:

1. Get Active: Increasing your activity level can help you lower your blood pressure, raise your good cholesterol, increase blood circulation, aides in weight loss, and helps prevent bone loss.  https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness/getting-active
2. Quit smoking: Need help? Visit http://www.tobaccofreeflorida.com
                                                   or call 1-877-U-CAN-NOW (1-877-822-6669)
3. Lower stress levels
4. Stay proactive about your health: Go for your annual check-up to get screened and treated as necessary for high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
5. Maintain a healthy body weight: Know your BMI. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/educational/lose_wt/BMI/bmi-m.htm
6. Eat a healthy diet:  https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating

All information on our blog, website, or Facebook page is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace or substitute for any medical advice.  Emily Harrison, MD makes no representations or warranties and expressly disclaims any and all liability concerning any treatment, action by, or effect on any person following the general information offered within or through the blog, website, or Facebook. For particular concerns or if a situation arises, you should consult your physician.