February is American Heart Month
As the leading cause of death for Americans, heart disease claims approximately 1 million lives a year. Fortunately, heart disease can be preventable by making heart-healthy choices. As an effort to bring awareness to heart disease, February has been named American Heart Month, a federally-designated event that reminds Americans to focus on their health and hearts. Our goal is to raise awareness about heart disease and to spread the word about how to prevent it.
Take Control of Your Heart Health
Improve your heart health this month by taking the following steps.
1. Visit with your doctor.
Your doctor can check the levels of your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar. If your numbers are too high, your doctor will suggest a plan of action.
2. Exercise daily.
We suggest at least 30 minutes of exercise per day. If you are new to exercise, start by walking 15 minutes 3 times a week. Increase your time once you feel comfortable.
3. Choose healthy foods.
Heart-healthy foods can reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease while managing your weight. Incorporate a variety of whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, and other lean meat.
4. Quit smoking.
Smoking not only increases your chance of heart disease and stroke, but it also increases your risk of mouth cancer, throat cancer, lung cancer, and cancer of the esophagus. Learn how to quit completely at cdc.gov.
5. Manage stress.
Stress plays a significant role in cardiovascular health. Manage your stress through regular meditation, therapy, or yoga.
Consultations for High Blood Pressure and Cholesterol
When you visit Lakeview Family Medicine in Utah, we measure your blood pressure and cholesterol to let you know how you’re doing. During your consultation, we’ll sit down with you to discuss your concerns and your medical history. Then, if needed, we can decide on the proper course of treatment. Contact Lakeview Family Medicine today to schedule an appointment