ESDHD: Keep Your Heart Healthy in February

Since February is National Heart Month, I thought I would impart some facts about our hearts and our health. 

Did you know that heart disease is still the number one killer in the U.S.? One dollar out of every six dollars spent on healthcare is spent on heart-related ailments.  The interesting thing is that many of the risk factors (those bad habits that we have) that contribute to heart disease are just that.

Bad Habits.

If someone told me today, that in five years I would have a massive heart attack and die or become permanently disabled, I am sure I would be changing those habits that contribute to heart ailments.

Everyone knows the drill:

• More exercise…less TV watching
• More leafy green vegetables… Less fatty foods
• Stay hydrated…Watch your sugar intake
• Stop smoking…reduce your stress

So...

Why don’t we change?  We love our creature comforts and like to play the odds that “It Won’t Happen to me!”  Once in a while we get a wake-up call when a friend or relative suddenly passes away or suffers a health crisis.

Perhaps we need to look in the mirror and realize (before we have to buy a larger size than what we are wearing) that we deserve better for ourselves.  We owe it to ourselves to have better health.  Is it a struggle?  You betcha!  Is it possible?  You can also bet on that one.  Let’s gamble on the fact the house holds all the cards, we just need to play smart to win. 

Playing smart means smart strategies…

• Make lifestyle changes that you can live with, if you go too drastic, chances are you will not be able to keep it up and will return to your old habits.
• Give yourself achievable goals… don’t expect miracles, but do make the changes!
• Reward yourself for good behavior.

Remember that You Deserve to Live Better and Healthier.

This blog is posted by the East Shore District Health Department