February is American Heart Month! Heart disease is a leading cause of death in the United States. Learn more about risk factors and how you can improve your heart health.
Each February, the American Heart Association seeks to raise awareness about heart disease.
According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, heart disease is a leading cause of death in the United States for both men and women. Most middle-aged and young adults have one or more risk factors for heart disease, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, or being overweight. Having multiple risk factors increases your risk for heart disease, but you can do a lot to protect your heart and stay healthy.
Heart-healthy living involves understanding your risk, making choices, and taking steps to reduce your chances of getting heart disease, including coronary artery disease, the most common type. Coronary and other types of heart disease cause heart attacks, but by taking preventive measures, you can lower your risk of developing heart disease and improve your overall health and well-being.
Be more physically active. Invite friends, family, colleagues, and neighbors to join you for walks or online exercise classes.
Maintain a healthy weight. Find someone with the same goal, whether it’s losing five pounds, maintaining your weight, or gaining more muscle.
Eat a nutritious diet. This includes plenty of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, fat-free and low-fat dairy products, fish, poultry, beans, nuts, and vegetable oils. Limit foods that are high in saturated fat, such as fatty meats, full-fat dairy products, and tropical oils such as coconut, palm kernel, and palm oils, as well as sugar-sweetened beverages and sweets.
Quit smoking. Consider joining an online support group. Research shows that people are much more likely to quit if their spouse, friend, or sibling does. Trained counselors are available by calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW, and many free resources are available at smokefree.gov.
Reduce stress. Try walking, yoga, or meditation, or participate in an online stress-management program.
Get 7-8 hours of quality sleep. Managing stress, getting sunlight, and sticking to a regular bedtime routine can improve your quality of sleep, which in turn can improve your heart health.
Track your heart health stats. Keeping a log of your blood pressure, weight goals, and physical activity (and, if you have diabetes, your blood sugar) can help you stay on a heart-healthy track. Check out the My Life Check tool on the American Heart Association’s website at https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-lifestyle/my-life-check--lifes-simple-7 to help you assess and track your heart health information and gain a better understanding of your risk of heart disease and stroke.
Sources: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute; American Heart Association
Wellness Champions
Charisse Simpson was the Wellness Champion for November. Charisse has been working hard over the course of the past year to make healthier lifestyle changes to lose weight. Her nominator said, “She looks and feels great!”
Beth Smith was December's Wellness Champion. She has been consistently working on her fitness by participating in the company’s wellness challenges. She is a valued member of the Wellness Committee and advocates for our wellness program.
Way to go, Charisse (left) and Beth (right)! Keep up the great work!
