February 2024 Health Tip

by J. Renee Livsey, RN-BC |  February 1, 2024

   
Heart disease continues to be the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States and is more prevalent in Black Americans than other ethnicities. Anyone can develop heart disease, but you are at higher risk if you have any of the following:
 
High cholesterol, uncontrolled high blood pressure, diabetes, if you are a smoker, if you are overweight, do not exercise at least 2 days per week, or if you typically eat a diet high in fat and sugar. The good news is that there is a lot you can do to prevent heart disease. 
 
Taking the following steps consistently can lower your risks for heart disease: 

• Do not smoke. Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States.
• Manage health conditions. Work with your health care team to manage conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol.
• Make heart-healthy diet changes.  Eat foods low in fat, low in added sugar, and low in salt.  Try to eat more vegetables and fruit.
• Stay active.  You can break up exercise into 10-minute blocks for a total of 30 minutes per day
• Manage stress – According to an article in the AARP Bulletin, there are some possible psychological benefits of regularly attending worship services, including an increased ability to cope with stress.