February is American Heart Month

By Jeany Miller

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), more than 910,000 Americans in the United States die every year from cardiovascular disease. That equates to approximately one death every 35 seconds. In addition, despite widespread misconceptions, cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of both men and women. Many health experts blame the rampant run of this disease on a general mind set of damage control rather than proactive prevention. To help turn the tide, Congress today requires the president to proclaim February American Heart Month. This annual decree is intended to increase public awareness of heart disease, promote prevention and encourage people to get involved.

Signs of and Conditions that Promote Heart Risk

The CDC also states that coronary heart disease is the most common heart disease in the United States. People can reduce their chances of developing this or other cardiovascular problems by making healthy lifestyle choices and acknowledging the signs of heart attack. Some pre-existing conditions, such as arrhythmia, heart failure and peripheral artery disease, also place people at greater risk. Obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes are additional conditions that lend themselves to heart disease. Managing these conditions can promote healthy living and protect the heart. People may also be at risk if they smoke, are exposed to secondhand smoke, lead sedentary lifestyles or maintain unhealthy eating habits. Many health experts warn that individuals who are thin may be at as much risk as those who are overweight. This factor largely relates to diet and exercise, as thin individuals may not maintain either. While healthy living is a crucial first step to preventing heart disease, people also need to be aware of heart attack symptoms. Some attacks are sudden and intense, but many start slowly with mild pain or discomfort. Affected people often wait too long to receive help, but knowing the signs may mean the difference between life and death:

Chest discomfort: many heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that last more than a few minutes. This may be in the form of pain, fullness or squeezing.
Discomfort elsewhere in the body: additional symptoms may include pain in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
Shortness of breath: this may be unaccompanied by another symptom.
Other signs: these may include abrupt cold sweats, nausea or lightheadedness.

Ways to Protect Yourself

Although some health risks, such as heredity and age, cannot be deterred, people can still incorporate simple and healthy changes to everyday living. Moreover, researchers now conclude that lifestyle activity can be as effective as rigorous exercise in shedding pounds and lowering cholesterol. This is good news for people whose barriers to exercise may include lack of time, lack of access to facilities or dislike of vigorous exercise, states Andrea Dunn, exercise psychologist. To add movement to the day, people can take simple measures like using a bathroom at work that is on another floor or in a distant area rather than heading for that which is nearest. Individuals can also balance on one foot while brushing their hair or teeth, park in the furthest space at the supermarket and take the stairs rather than an elevator. Additional tips include walking while on the phone, sweeping household floors everyday and stretching during television commercials. Healthy eating can be just as simple, but effective. Many experts recommend starting this habit in the grocery store, where healthy eating actually begins. For instance, purchase 100 percent whole wheat and whole grain breads instead of white bread. An evening appetizer may consist of broccoli, sweet potatoes or crunchy raw vegetables rather than chips or other salty snacks. In addition, people should find ways to add fruits or vegetables to their favorite recipes. Shredded carrot can be added to tuna salad, and pineapple chunks can be added to whole grain rice. Janice Newell Bissex, author, states, a lot of people think its all or nothing either were going to eat a healthy meal, or its just going to be awful. But you can take a marginally healthy meal and really kick it up a little by making small changes, and you should feel good about that.

Sources: