Heart disease strikes someone about once every 43 seconds and is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. It is often used interchangeably with cardiovascular disease and includes diseases such as coronary artery disease, heart rhythm problems, and heart defects that you may be born with, just to name a few. That is why keeping your heart healthy is so important.
Life's Simple 7
Understanding your risk for heart disease could help prevent you from being diagnosed with the disease. The American Heart Association uses 7 key health factors and behaviors that increases one's risk for heart disease and stroke to gauge the cardiovascular health of the nation. They have labeled them as Life's Simple 7, which are:
#1 Smoking If you are a current smoker, work on quitting and avoid second-hand smoke to help prevent heart disease
#2 Physical Activity Get active and complete at least 150 minutes of physical activity a week is optimal
#3 Healthy Diet You want to eat a heart healthy diet and practice unhealthy eating habits in moderation. Consuming fruits and vegetables, fiber-rich whole grains, and fish (at least twice a week) amongst others is a great way to reduce your risk for heart disease
#4 Overweight/Obesity Maintain a healthy weight
#5 Cholesterol Maintain normal cholesterol levels and have it checked regularly
#6 High Blood Pressure If you have high blood pressure, talk with your doctor to find a medication that will work for you to control it
#7 Blood Sugar/Diabetes Monitor your blood sugar and have it checked regularly
These health factors increase your risk for heart disease. Eating a healthy, well-balanced meal, getting active, and staying at a healthy weight can help prevent heart disease and lower your risk. Staying away from smoking and second-hand smoke, controlling your cholesterol and blood pressure will also help prevent heart disease and lower your risk.
Franciscan Health Fitness Centers provides a pathway to a healthier lifestyle through comprehensive fitness and wellness services, equipment, facilities and expertise that is offered to communities in Northwest Indiana.
We strive to be the leading wellness advocate and resource for the community to individuals anywhere along the health continuum, providing opportunities for individuals to experience the benefits of committing to a healthy lifestyle.
Please feel free to stop by the Fitness Desk and schedule a Fitness Assessment with one of our Personal Trainers!
Special thanks to Brittany Price, MS Exercise Science, Exercise Physiologist for writing this blog. Other References: https://www.heart.org
