Now that the New Year is in full swing, it is time to invest in your health. One of the most productive means of doing so is by placing an emphasis on your cardiovascular health. February 2022 has been designated as “American Heart Month”. According to information from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute “NHLBI”, individuals are more likely to achieve success in meeting health goals when they work with others. As a result, the #OurHearts movement has been created. During healthy heart month, we can all come together in the support of one another in taking steps to protect and increase the strength of our hearts!
Heart Disease – The Facts
Based on information provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heart disease is considered to be the number one cause of death of both males and females within the country. In fact, every 36 seconds an individual dies from heart disease. Each year, approximately 805,000 people have a heart attack. Heart disease kills approximately 659,000 people each and every single year. That means that 1 out of every 4 deaths that occur each year stem from heart disease!
Risk Factors
While there are uncontrollable risk factors for the development of heart disease – such as a family history of the disease, being older, and being postmenopausal – there are also many controllable risk factors. Not too many people know or understand this fact. The following outlines risk factors that we all have control over that will increase our chance for developing heart disease:
- Having High Levels of Bad Cholesterol
- Being Overweight and/or Obese (BMI in excess of 25)
- Diabetes That is Not Properly Controlled
- Low Levels of Physical Activity
- Unhealthy Diet
- High Stress Levels
- Smoking
- High Blood Pressure That is Not Properly Controlled
- Alcohol Usage
Healthy Heart Month Encourages us to Connect to Others
As we approach and go through Healthy Heart Month, we should strive to connect to others. Positive relationships help in benefiting our health as a whole. This includes our blood pressure and other aspects of our heart health. By establishing relationships with those who motivate us, care about us, and help us, we are bettering our lives and our bodies. Starting now, through Healthy Heart Month, and beyond, engage in the following to improve your cardiovascular health:
- Invite a family member, friend, neighbor, or even a colleague to take walks with you on a scheduled basis.
- Invite someone to sign up at the gym, for an exercise class, or even a dance class with you. Not only will you improve the health of your heart, you are sure to have a lot of fun!
- Encourage your children to engage in physical activities with you. Examples include skipping rope, doing a few jumping jacks, or even signing up for a karate class!
You should strive to get as close as possible to 3 hours a week of physical activity. Get creative! Get inspired! Get together! This February is Healthy Heart Month – strive to be the best version of YOU! For more information, you may contact us here at Beacon Senior Advisors by calling the following number: 973-713-0096 or visit www.BeaconSeniorAdvisors.com