February is American Heart Month
February is a month for love (and skiing), but it's also a time to show some care to your most important muscle: your heart. At Sublette County Health, we take heart health seriously and encourage our community to do the same. American Heart Month raises awareness about cardiovascular health, and we are here to help you keep your heart ticking strong!
Why Focus on Heart Health?
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States, claiming over 700,000 lives each year. But the good news is that 80% of heart disease is preventable through healthy lifestyle choices. So, this February, let's focus on making some changes that can benefit your heart for years to come.
Lifestyle Tips for a Healthy Heart
Move Your Body: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise each week. This could include brisk walking, swimming, biking, dancing, or any activity that gets your heart rate up and makes you sweat.
Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet: Choose plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Limit saturated and trans fats, red meat, processed foods, and sugary drinks. Opt for lean protein sources like fish, poultry, and beans.
Manage Weight: Being overweight or obese increases your risk of heart disease. Talk to your doctor about a healthy weight for you and work towards reaching it.
Quit Smoking: Smoking is one of the worst things you can do for your heart. If you smoke, quitting is the single best thing you can do to improve your heart health.
Control Blood Pressure and Cholesterol: High blood pressure and cholesterol are major risk factors for heart disease. Get your blood pressure and cholesterol checked regularly and work with your doctor to manage them if they are high.
Reduce Stress: Chronic stress can take a toll on your heart. Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as yoga, meditation, or spending time in nature.
Get Enough Sleep: When you don't get enough sleep, your body releases stress hormones that can damage your heart. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night.
Limit Alcohol: Excessive alcohol consumption can damage your heart muscle and raise your blood pressure. Talk to your doctor about how much alcohol is safe for you to drink.
This February, commit to your heart health. By making some simple lifestyle changes, you can reduce your risk of heart disease and live a longer, healthier life. Sublette County Health is here to support you every step of the way. Remember, your heart is worth taking care of!
Wyoming Heart Health Data
Additional Resources:
American Heart Association: https://www.heart.org/
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/index.htm
National Institutes of Health: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/
Whitehouse.gov: https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2023/01/31/a-proclamation-on-american-heart-month-2023/