Taking It To Heart
The number of cliches that circulate throughout the month of February are as numerous as the petals on a rose, the number of delectables in a box of chocolates, the notes and aromas found in a favorite fragrance, or maybe even the sparkles thrown off by a new diamond.
Sure, it may produce a groan from those averse to the genre of romance, but it’s important to listen to your heart. And significantly, this is analogous to the message that is currently being put forth by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) as an aspect of American Hearth Month.
Maintaining a healthy heart is no laughing matter, of course. In fact, heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States and in many cases, it can be preventable. Thus, it is easy to see why the NIH decided to focus on it during the month of February.
Genetics are unavoidable and for a small percentage of Americans, heart disease may be inevitable. However, the overwhelming majority of heart disease instances can be limited, if not avoided, by healthy lifestyle choices practiced consistently over the years.
Finding a problem early makes it much easier to solve. The analogy of a car running out of oil may be overly simplistic. However, it is worth noting that changing the oil regularly is much easier than replacing the engine because it was not serviced properly.
Early detection by way of knowing your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, body mass index (BMI) and hemoglobin A1c are paramount. Regular checkups with your primary care provider, and if appropriate, your cardiologist, have been shown to have positive impacts on health outcomes.
With that in mind, the NIH advises to follow certain behaviors and avoid others as they are risk factors.
Get some sleep
This may sound like a fantasy for those with children and/or a busy schedule, but it’s known that lack of sleep or poor-quality sleep can increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease and other medical problems.
Eat better
A few simple changes can lower blood pressure and decrease cholesterol levels. Start by snacking on fruits or vegetables, consider eating fish twice a week and skipping the meat for two or more meals a week.
Maintain a healthy weight
This can help control many conditions. Choosing water instead of soda and getting some exercise on a regular basis are small steps that can make an enormous difference.
Avoid smoking and limit alcohol use
Smoking damages and constricts blood vessels, while alcohol can increase blood pressure and inflammation levels in the body.
Managing stress
Finding balance by maintaining healthy social connections with family, friends, neighbors, or coworkers are also effective means of preventing heart disease.
For more advice on how to listen to your heart (in a medical sense), have an Annual Wellness visit or Physical Exam, or discuss understanding and improving your health and quality of life, reach out to us at 910-387-3788.
Dawson Med offers both comprehensive primary care and walk in urgent care for residents and visitors of the greater Wilmington area seven days a week.
608 Dawson St, #101
Wilmington, NC 28401
910-387-3788
