For the Health of it: February is American Heart Month
CHENANGO COUNTY – Chenango County Health Department would like to increase awareness and education of heart disease in the community. February is American Heart Month.
This is a great time to learn more about heart disease and what you can do to reduce your risk of developing heart disease. According to the CDC, heart disease is the most deadly disease in America, responsible for 1 in 4 deaths in the U.S.
Certain heart disease risk factors that cannot be changed include but are not limited to age, gender, family history and ethnicity. However, risk factors that can be changed include maintaining a healthy weight, smoking cessation, reducing and monitoring blood pressure, increasing physical exercise, and reducing and monitoring blood cholesterol levels.
Some may not be aware that blood pressure levels have been updated. According to the CDC:
• Normal blood pressure is less than 120/80.
• At Risk (Prehypertension) is 120-139/80-89.
• High blood pressure is greater than 140-90.
If your blood pressure readings are consistently higher than normal contact your health care provider for further recommendations. Healthy eating and regular exercise can help lower blood pressure. By lowering your blood pressure you are lowering your risk for heart disease. In an effort to raise awareness of cardiac events here are the signs and symptoms of a heart attack according to the CDC:
• Chest pain or discomfort that doesn’t go away after a few minutes.
• Pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck or back.
• Weakness.
• Light-headedness.
• Nausea.
• Cold sweat.
• Pain or discomfort in the arms or shoulder.
• Shortness of breath.
If you think you are experiencing any of these signs call 9-1-1 immediately.
Another factor that can reduce risk for cardiac disease is increasing physical activity and reducing obesity. According to American Heart Association, exercising thirty minutes a day five days a week improves heart health and reduces risk of heart disease. Exercise and physical activity directly improve heart health particularly aerobic exercise such as walking, swimming, jogging and riding a bike. The heart muscle needs exercise just like other muscles.
Exercise stimulates production of new blood vessels also making vessels more flexible. As more blood vessels are made there are more places for blood to flow resulting in more efficient blood circulation. By improving circulation the heart can pump more blood throughout the body and work at optimal efficiency. With optimal blood flow, normal blood pressure can be obtained decreasing the risk of developing heart disease.
Consult with your health care provider before beginning any exercise program. Your health care provider may be able to adjust your exercise routine to your specific needs.
Persons with questions or requiring additional information may contact the Chenango County Health Department at (607) 337-1660.
– Submitted by the Chenango County Health Department
This is a great time to learn more about heart disease and what you can do to reduce your risk of developing heart disease. According to the CDC, heart disease is the most deadly disease in America, responsible for 1 in 4 deaths in the U.S.
Certain heart disease risk factors that cannot be changed include but are not limited to age, gender, family history and ethnicity. However, risk factors that can be changed include maintaining a healthy weight, smoking cessation, reducing and monitoring blood pressure, increasing physical exercise, and reducing and monitoring blood cholesterol levels.
Some may not be aware that blood pressure levels have been updated. According to the CDC:
• Normal blood pressure is less than 120/80.
• At Risk (Prehypertension) is 120-139/80-89.
• High blood pressure is greater than 140-90.
If your blood pressure readings are consistently higher than normal contact your health care provider for further recommendations. Healthy eating and regular exercise can help lower blood pressure. By lowering your blood pressure you are lowering your risk for heart disease. In an effort to raise awareness of cardiac events here are the signs and symptoms of a heart attack according to the CDC:
• Chest pain or discomfort that doesn’t go away after a few minutes.
• Pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck or back.
• Weakness.
• Light-headedness.
• Nausea.
• Cold sweat.
• Pain or discomfort in the arms or shoulder.
• Shortness of breath.
If you think you are experiencing any of these signs call 9-1-1 immediately.
Another factor that can reduce risk for cardiac disease is increasing physical activity and reducing obesity. According to American Heart Association, exercising thirty minutes a day five days a week improves heart health and reduces risk of heart disease. Exercise and physical activity directly improve heart health particularly aerobic exercise such as walking, swimming, jogging and riding a bike. The heart muscle needs exercise just like other muscles.
Exercise stimulates production of new blood vessels also making vessels more flexible. As more blood vessels are made there are more places for blood to flow resulting in more efficient blood circulation. By improving circulation the heart can pump more blood throughout the body and work at optimal efficiency. With optimal blood flow, normal blood pressure can be obtained decreasing the risk of developing heart disease.
Consult with your health care provider before beginning any exercise program. Your health care provider may be able to adjust your exercise routine to your specific needs.
Persons with questions or requiring additional information may contact the Chenango County Health Department at (607) 337-1660.
– Submitted by the Chenango County Health Department
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