“Health is not valued ’till sickness comes.” – Thomas Fuller
Heart disease is one of the most preventable diseases, but it’s the number one cause of death for both men and women in the United States and claims approximately 1 million lives every year.
February is Heart Healthy month so consider giving yourself the gift of a healthy heart this Valentine’s Day.
HEART DISEASE FACTS♦
- Nearly half of Americans have at least one risk factor for heart disease.
- Heart disease takes the life of one out of every three women and affects about 43 million women in the U.S.
- Women often experience different symptoms of heart disease than men.
- While Americans of all backgrounds can be at risk for heart disease, African-American men, especially those who live in the southeast region of the United States, are at the highest risk for heart disease.
- More than 40 percent of African Americans have high blood pressure, a leading cause of heart disease and stroke.
- A healthy lifestyle can reduce the risk for heart disease by as much as 80 percent.
Making heart-healthy choices and small but significant changes can lead to a lifetime of having a healthy heart:
- Avoid smoking.
- Exercise regularly.
- Stick to a heart-healthy diet.
- Make sleep a priority.
- Know your family health history and the risk factors for heart disease.
- Get regular health screenings.
Some risk factors, like family history, sex, and age cannot be changed, but it doesn’t mean you have to accept heart disease as your fate. Getting regular check-ups and working with your physician to manage your health are integral to avoiding this silent killer. We take care of our family and our home, but we’re probably not doing enough to take care of our heart. Take responsibility for your health and make your heart’s health a priority.
“The doctor of the future will give no medicines, but will interest his patients in the care of the human frame, in diet, and in the causes and prevention of disease.” – Thomas Edison
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To Your Success,
Althea
Althea A. McLeish Wilson, RN, MSN
Promoting inner health & outer beauty!
Helping you thrive, not just survive!!
PPS. Did You Find This Helpful? If so, please feel free to share!! Leave a comment or contact me at althea@altheamcleish.com.
Resource:
Heart Disease Fact Sheet – CDC♦
