Did you know February is Heart Health Month? We hope you had a Happy Valentine’s Day and “Happy Heart Month to you!”
Unfortunately, heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. Anyone can get heart disease. You are at a higher risk for heart disease if you have high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, or smoke. You are also at a high risk if you are overweight, don’t get enough physical activity, and don’t eat a healthy diet.
Your risk is higher for women over age 55 and for men over age 45. If your father or brother had heart disease before age 55, or your mother or sister had heart disease before age 65, then you are at a higher risk.
But the good news is there is a lot you can do to prevent heart disease with these easy tips:
- eat healthy
- Get active,
- Stay at a healthy weight,
- Quit smoking
- Stay away from secondhand smoke.
- Control your cholesterol and blood pressure\
- Drink alcohol only in moderation
- Manage stress.
Adopt heart healthy habits today!
For more information on how to have healthy habits you may contact the Izard County Extension office at (870) 368-4323. Elizabeth Daigle, the Family and Consumer Science Agent, is available to provide you with educational information as needed.
Submitted
This material was submitted by a member of the community, and Hallmark Times would like to thank them for sharing with us!
