February is National Heart Month!
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States for both men and women. However it is also one of the most preventable. Some people believe that cholesterol level is the only factor to be concerned about when it comes to a healthy heart, but the key to overall heart health is so much more. No matter what your age is you should start focusing on taking care of your heart today!
What is Cardiovascular Disease?
Cardiovascular disease is an array of conditions that affect your heart. It includes numerous problems such as blood vessel diseases, arrhythmias, and congenital heart defects. The term generally refers to conditions that involve the narrowing or blockage of blood vessels that can usually lead to heart attack, chest pain, or stroke. Other health issues incorporate irregular heartbeats, or conditions that affect the heart’s muscles or valves.
Here are a few preventative steps from the American Heart Association:
- The best ways to reduce your risk of developing heart disease is by eating healthily and being physically active
- Choose foods that are low in saturated and trans fats, and in sodium.
- Eat a great variety of fruits and vegetables, whole grains that are rich in fiber, fish, nuts, legumes and seeds, and try eating some meals without meat.
- You need muscle-strengthening activities that will work on all major muscle groups at least done two days a week
- Begin to work your way up to 150 mins of moderate aerobic exercising and 75 mins of vigorous aerobic physical activity every week, or even do a combination of both every week
- Not everyone experiences chest pain or numbness, so it is important to learn the warning signs of a heart attack or stroke
- Click Here to find out more preventative steps from the American Heart Association.
This month we are informing you of ways to improve your heart health. Wrightstown Health and Fitness offers many services such as personal training and nutrition that focus on bettering your heart. Stay tuned to our Facebook page all month to learn more about how to help protect yourself from heart disease!
