Local VNA offers tips for Heart Health Month

FRANKLIN – The first American Heart Health Month took place in February 1964 to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease. At the time, this was the cause of more than half the deaths in the United States each year. While we have made improvements, the American Heart Association estimates heart disease claims about 2,200 lives each day, that’s one death due to cardiovascular disease every 40 seconds!

Heart disease is a term used for a variety of diseases of the heart and blood vessels such as coronary artery disease, heart rhythm disorders, and defects of the heart present at birth. It can cause high blood pressure, stroke, heart attack, blood clots, and be a factor in other vascular problems causing loss of function, pain or even limb amputation, all of which can lead to death. If you are one of the 23.4 million US adults to have diabetes, the risk is even higher. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases states, “over time, high blood glucose from diabetes can damage your blood vessels and the nerves that control your heart and blood vessels. In adults with diabetes, the most common causes of death are heart disease and stroke. Adults with diabetes are nearly twice as likely to die from heart disease or stroke as people without diabetes.” Despite increased attention to it, heart disease is the number one cause of death for both men and women in the United States. It is an equal opportunity killer which claims approximately one million lives annually.

The Franklin Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice offers these tips on things you can do to reduce your risk and to help prevent heart disease. First, do a little family research. Knowing your family health history and your own risk factors for heart disease are good starts. Next, take that new-found knowledge to your check-up and talk with your healthcare provider about what you’ve learned. Your next step would be to schedule a regular check-up with your primary care physician. Your provider will be your partner in managing your risk factors. One huge risk factor is smoking. So, if you smoke, quit. Visit www.quitnownh.org for free resources and support.

Another important step is your diet. Eating foods low in salt, saturated fats, and trans fats, and high in unsaturated fats, like the Mediterranean Diet, is better for your heart. That means skipping the fried fish and chips in favor of the salmon with avocado and tomatoes, but in the end it’s a more flavorful option as well as being healthier.

Lastly, don’t forget to add exercise in to your day. Taking part in moderate aerobic exercise for at least 30 minutes five days a week or more vigorous workouts at least 20 minutes three times a week helps keep your heart strong, your vessels clear and even improves your mood.