February is love-your-heart month
W
E’RE SURROUNDED by hearts this month.
Along with the paper and chocolate versions,
there are the human ones: the beating hearts of
more than 300 million Americans.
Unfortunately, we’re also surrounded by heart disease. In
the U.S., it’s the leading cause of death for both men and
women. But it can be prevented and controlled. Even in a
short month’s time, you can do a lot to take better care of your
heart.
Week 1: Scrutinize labels.
Unhealthy fats and cholesterol
can clog arteries. Salt can raise blood pressure. Sugar can pack
on pounds. To avoid these risks for heart disease, read nutri-
tion labels when you’re grocery shopping. Look for foods with
unsaturated fats, omega-3 fatty acids, and low percentages of
sodium and sugar.
Also, choose plenty of foods that come without nutrition
labels: fresh fruits and vegetables. ey are low in fat and
sodium, and they contain ber, which can help prevent high
blood cholesterol.
Week 2: Get moving.
Like all muscles, your heart needs
exercise. is week—and every week—aim for at least 150
minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, such as brisk
walking. Share your heart-healthy habit with a loved one—
invite him or her to join you on a walk.
Week 3: Know your numbers.
If you don’t know your
blood pressure and cholesterol numbers, make an appointment
this week with your doctor to have them checked. Having high
blood pressure or too much LDL cholesterol (the bad kind) in
your blood can put you at risk for heart disease.
Being overweight also makes heart disease more likely. You
probably know if you’re carrying too many pounds. But if you
aren’t sure, it’s another thing to discuss with your doctor.
He or she can advise you on lifestyle changes or medicines
to help you achieve heart-healthy numbers in all three areas.
Week 4: Vow to quit.
Smoking harms the heart as well as
the lungs. So if you light up, it’s important to ditch the habit
for good. Smoking also hurts your family and friends because
exposure to secondhand smoke can trigger heart problems in
them. So quitting is an act of love not only for your heart—
but also for all the hearts that surround you.
Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute;
U.S. Census Bureau
On
Friday, February 7, 2014,
wear red
to show your commitment and passion
in support of women’s heart health.
Then take a picture of yourself and post
it onour Facebookpage (seebackpage).
Nonprofit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Walla Walla, WA
Permit No. 44
210 Marie Langdon Drive
Manchester, KY 40962
Show us your
RED
!
Date: Every Tuesday, starts at 8 a.m.
IGA 414 Manchester Square, Manchester
Mission inMotion is a 28-foot mobile health trailer
used to travel to underserved areas of our rural community
providing free health screenings to individuals who
do not have access to traditional health care.
Coffey infographic with information from the American Heart Association and the National Institutes of Health
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35
ABOUT
OF
AMERICAN
WOMEN
SMOKE.
HAVING A WAIST OF MORE THAN
I N C H E S
RAISES THE
RISK OF HEART
DISEASE IN
WOMEN.
WOMEN IN THE
U.S. DIES FROM
BREAST
CANCER
1
IN
3
WOMEN IN THE
U.S. DIES FROM
HEART
DISEASE
WOMEN AND
HEART DISEASE
JUSTTHE
FACTS
MA’AM
Women whose weight goes up
and down dramatically (typically
as a result of unhealthy dieting)
are at higher risk for heart
disease.
45 64
A N D
1 IN 8 WOMEN BETWEEN THE AGES OF
HAS SOME FORM OF HEART DISEASE.
WOMENWHO
SMOKE
ARE
TIMES
MORE LIKELY TO
HAVE A HEART
ATTACK THAN
WOMEN WHO
DON’T
SMOKE.
1
IN
31
20
%
MEMORIAL’S GUIDE TO HEALING AND WELLNESS •
WINTER 2014
