Every one knows February is Black History Month.
But did you know it's also heart health month?
I'm not sure who picked this as the month to raise awareness, but in my opinion, we should concentrate on the health of our heart everyday. Statistics show cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. For African American women, the risk of heart disease is especially great. Heart disease is more prevalent among black women than white women — as are some of the factors that increase the risk of developing it, including high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes. Studies also have shown that African Americans don't get the same care for heart disease as whites because they don't get the same tests and treatments
What is cardiovascular disease:
Cardiovascular disease refers to conditions that involve narrowed or blocked blood vessels that can lead to a heart attack, chest pain or stroke. Other heart conditions, such as infections and conditions that affect your heart's muscle, valves or beating rhythm, also are considered forms of heart disease.
While some conditions may be congenital or hereditary, many forms of cardiovascular disease can be prevented or treated with the following healthy lifestyle choices recommended by the American Heart Association:
1. Exercise
Daily exercise can reduce the risk of fatal heart disease. Physical activity helps you control your weight and reduce chances of developing conditions that may put strain on your heart, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. It also reduces stress, which may also be a factor in heart disease.
- A recent study posted on healthpowerforminorities.com finds 55% of black women are physically inactive. They do no spare-timephysical activity.
While even a few minutes of daily exercise offers heart benefits, 30 to 60 minutes of physical activity is recommended. Exercise doesn’t have to be strenuous, but it needs to be consistent. If a 30-minute workout is too much, break it up into three 10-minute mini-sessions. Activities can be as simple as taking a walk or doing some gardening.
2. Avoid Tobacco Products
One of the biggest risk factors for developing heart disease is tobacco use. Chemicals in tobacco can damage heart and blood vessels, causing a narrowing of the arteries that can ultimately lead to a heart attack. In addition, the nicotine and carbon monoxide in cigarette smoke can cause your heart to work harder and increase your risk for heart attack. Eliminating tobacco use reduces the risk of heart disease dramatically within just one year.
- News to me: About one in five black women smokes. Quit, and just one year later, your heart disease risk will drop by more than half. (Source: womenshealth.aetna.com)
3. Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet
A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy products can help protect your heart and reduce your chance of developing high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol. Limiting fat, cholesterol and salt is also important. Heart-healthy eating isn't about cutting back. It’s about moderation and making the right choices.
- Food for thought: Lasting weight loss needs a change of lifestyle — adopt a healthy, lower-calorie eating plan and get regular physical activity. Aim to lose no more than 1/2 to 2 pounds per week. Ask your doctor what your weight should be.
What can I do? Arm yourself with information!!!
Get regular health Screenings
High blood pressure and high cholesterol can damage the heart and blood vessels, but many people don’t know if their levels put them at risk. Regular screenings are critical to determine if action needs to be taken to get those levels under control.
Here is what a physician will look for:
- Blood pressure: Adults should have their blood pressure checked at least every two years. More frequent checks may be necessary for those at higher levels. Optimal blood pressure is less than 120/80 millimeters of mercury.
- Cholesterol levels: Adults should have their cholesterol measured at least once every five years starting at age 20. As with blood pressure, more frequent checks may be necessary for those with higher levels. You may need more frequent testing if your numbers aren't optimal or if you have other risk factors for heart disease.
- Diabetes screening: Since diabetes is a risk factor for developing heart disease, many physicians will screen adults for diabetes. This will depend on certain risk factors, such as being overweight or a family history of diabetes.
TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR!!
This is my final word of advice. You have to talk to your doctor about any health concern. it is extremely important. Let your doctor know you are working on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Learn what is considered normal and be honest about your concerns and get all your questions answered. And make sure you understand what the doctor tells you.
As always .. I am not a doctor .. nor do I play one on t.v. I just want you to live healthy and wealthy ... and that means you have to put your heart into your health.
Here's a great product to consider as you "pump up" your health health:
Omega 369
Our Everyday Health Benefits:
- May reduce stress
- Omegas are known to reduce joint inflammation and promote already normal blood consistency
- Helps improve the look and feel your hair, skin and nails
- Assists in maintaining already normal cholesterol and triglycerides levels
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