Preventing Heart Disease
Heartening news - a healthy future is just a few changes away
Think you might be at risk for heart problems? St. Luke's has good news! It's never too early to start thinking about heart health and it's never too late to start making healthy choices. Simple changes can make a big difference. The following suggestions can help you brighten your heart's future:
- Take 7 minutes for your heart - assess your risk for heart problems with HeartAware - St. Luke's free online heart assessment.
- Face up to heart-damaging habits - stop smoking and reduce your exposure to second-hand smoke.
- Do something nice for your heart - just 30 minutes four to five days a week of aerobic exercise such as walking, biking or swimming, will keep your heart happy.
- Choose heart-healthy foods and beverages - avoid foods high in saturated fat and cholesterol, make smart choices about sugar, caffeine and carbohydrates, and limit your alcohol intake. Your heart will thank you.
- Know your numbers - your weight and blood pressure are important indicators of health. Try to keep both in a healthy range. Also, keep close tabs on your blood fats (LDL and triglycerides) and sugars. Both can be detected with simple blood tests.
- Stay cool - relax! Stress is hard on your heart, so take a deep breath and avoid stressors when possible.
Want even more information? Schedule a Heart Scan to receive a detailed analysis of your heart health. For more information e-mail us or call 319/369-8909.
