February is American Hearth Month
Cardiovascular disease, including heart attack and stroke, is the leading cause of death in the United States and is a major cause of disability. Since 1963, February has been known as “American Heart Month”, providing Americans with a way to join the battle against cardiovascular diseases. During American Heart Month, the American Heart Association, along with thousands of volunteers, work together to raise funds for research and education and to inform the general public about cardiovascular disease.
What is cardiovascular disease?
Cardiovascular disorders are diseases that can affect your heart, blood vessels, and arteries, and are the number one killer of both men and women in all racial and ethnic groups worldwide. Cardiovascular disorders include heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, chest pain, and rheumatic heart disease. They will often go untreated because they do not always have obvious symptoms. When left untreated, cardiovascular disorders can lead to even more serious health issues, including heart attack, stroke, and kidney damage.
At CareFocus Companion Services, we understand the obstacles that can arise when dealing with cardiovascular disorders. Whether you or a loved one was born with a cardiovascular condition or diagnosed with one later in life, CareFocus Companion Services can help.
How can you prevent cardiovascular disease?
While certain risk factors cannot be changed, it is important to realize that you do have control over many others. Regardless of your age, background, or health status, you can lower your risk of heart disease. Below is a list of small changes, as recommended by the American Heart Association that can reduce all of the modifiable risk factors for heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.
The ABCs of Preventing Heart Disease, Stroke, and Heart Attack:
• Avoid Tobacco. Cigarette smoking accounts for nearly 440,000 deaths each year, of which, more than 135,000 are due to smoking related cardiovascular diseases. Everyone knows it’s hard, but if you or a loved one smokes, choosing to quit today is one of the best decisions you can make for your future health and well-being.
• Be More Active. Research has shown that getting at least 30 minutes of physical activity on five or more days of the week can help lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol, and keep your weight at a healthy level.
• Choose Good Nutrition. A healthy diet is one of the best weapons you have to fight cardiovascular disease. The type and amount of food you eat can affect other controllable risk factors, including, cholesterol, blood pressure, diabetes, and weight.
To help keep you motivated to stay on track in your efforts to live a healthy life and reduce the risk of developing a cardiovascular disorder, CareFocus Companion Services has compiled a list of fun and helpful online resources:
• Download our free Healthy Eating Checklist to learn the importance of a healthy diet.
• Take one of the Healthy Heart Quizzes provided by the American Heart Association to test your health knowledge.
• Use the American Heart Association’s Cost of Smoking Calculator to find out just how much money you spend on cigarettes.
• Find tools to help you quit smoking on smokefree.gov
• Print the Questions to Ask Your Doctor about Cardiovascular Disease as prepared by EverydayHealth.com and take them with you to your next doctor’s appointment.
How can you support American Heart Month?
There are many ways for you to support American Heart Month this February. If you’d like to participate in a fund-raising event, visit the American Heart Association’s website to find local and national fundraising events.
If you or someone you love has been affected by a cardiovascular disorder, contact CareFocus Companion Services today to learn more about how we can help with activities of daily living and in-home nursing needs.