American Heart Month: Prioritize Your Heart Health at Izard Regional Hospital
February is American Heart Month, a time to raise awareness about heart disease and the importance of heart health. At Izard Regional Hospital, we are committed to helping our community live healthier lives. Heart disease continues to be the leading cause of death in both men and women across the United States, including right here in our region. This month, we encourage you to take proactive steps towards improving your heart health, learning how to prevent heart disease, and understanding how a healthy lifestyle can help keep your heart strong.
Why Heart Health Matters
The heart is the vital organ that keeps our bodies running by pumping blood to organs and tissues. When the heart isn’t functioning properly, it can lead to serious health issues, such as heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure. The good news is that heart disease is largely preventable with positive lifestyle changes, including healthier eating, regular physical activity, and managing risk factors like high cholesterol and diabetes.
In our region, heart disease remains a significant health challenge. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heart disease is the leading cause of death for adults. That’s why now is the perfect time to focus on heart health and reduce the risks associated with heart-related conditions.
Key Steps for a Healthy Heart
- Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet
A healthy diet plays a major role in preventing heart disease. Aim to eat a variety of nutritious foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Limit processed foods, sugary drinks, and foods high in saturated fats and sodium. Small changes, like reducing your salt intake or switching to whole grains, can make a big impact over time. - Stay Active
Regular physical activity is essential for a healthy heart. Strive for at least 120 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking, each week. Activities like swimming, cycling, or dancing can also improve your cardiovascular health. Even simple actions like taking the stairs or walking after meals can help keep your heart in good shape. - Monitor Blood Pressure and Cholesterol
High blood pressure and high cholesterol are key risk factors for heart disease. It’s important to have your blood pressure and cholesterol levels checked regularly. If these numbers are high, work with your healthcare provider to manage them through healthy lifestyle changes, such as eating right and staying active. - Quit Smoking
Smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease, but quitting can drastically reduce your risk. If you smoke, speak with your doctor about strategies and support to help you quit. Your heart will benefit greatly from this change. - Manage Stress
Chronic stress can contribute to heart disease, so finding ways to manage stress is important. Relaxation techniques, spending time with loved ones, and engaging in hobbies are great ways to care for your mental health, which in turn supports your heart health. - Know Your Family History
Genetics play a role in heart health. If you have a family history of heart disease, it’s important to discuss with your doctor how to manage your risk and monitor your heart health more closely.
Izard Regional Hospital: Supporting Your Heart Health
At Izard Regional Hospital, we are dedicated to supporting you on your journey to better heart health. We offer a range of services to help you stay on track, including wellness visits, screenings for heart disease risk factors, and access to educational resources.
By utilizing these services and working with your healthcare provider, you can create a personalized plan for maintaining a healthy heart. Our team is here to guide and support you as you make heart-healthy choices all year long.
Heart Health for Those 55+
As we age, the risk of heart disease increases. For older adults, managing conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol is especially important. At Izard Regional Hospital, we provide comprehensive care to help seniors maintain their heart health. Regular checkups, screenings, and medications (when needed) are essential to managing these risks.
Make Heart Health a Priority
This February, as we observe American Heart Month, take the time to prioritize your heart health. By making small but meaningful changes to your lifestyle, you can reduce your risk of heart disease and improve your overall quality of life. Izard Regional Hospital is here to support you in every step of your heart health journey.
Let’s commit to making heart health a priority – not just in February, but every day. A healthy heart is the foundation for a long, happy, and active life.