We all remember February for St Valentine’s Day. Did you know February is also American Heart Month?
First lets talk about the color red which we associate with St Valentine‘s day.
EAT RED FOR AMERICAN HEART MONTH
Tart Cherries — one cup has 39% of your daily Vitamin A
Tomatoes — high in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant
Red lentils — one cup has 18 grams of protein
Beets — contain betaine, a compound seen to protect blood vessels from artery-clogging plaque
Strawberries — one cup provides 141 % of your daily Vitamin C
Kidney Beans –– one cup provides 44% or your daily fiber
Red Potatoes — Get 30% of your daily B-6 and 46% of your daily potassium from one single red potato
Now on to information to keep your heart healthy. First lets talk about heart disease. The term “heart disease” actually refers to several types of heart conditions. The most common type in the United States is coronary heart disease (also called coronary artery disease), which occurs when a substance called plaque builds up in the arteries that supply blood to the heart. Coronary heart disease can cause heart attack:. angina heart failure. and arrhythmias. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women.
The good news is that 95% of heart disease is preventable and controllable. You can start by taking small steps every day. In fact. you can REVERSE the progression of heart disease when you adopt the following 4 step program:
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a low-fat, whole foods, plant-based diet
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at least 30 minutes of exercise* each day
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a practice of stress management techniques
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active engagement in supportive relationships
One Step at a Time
As you begin your journey to better heart health, keep these things in mind:
• Don’t become overwhelmed. Every step brings you closer to a healthier heart.
• Don’t go it alone. The journey is more fun when you have company. Ask friends and family to join you.
• Don’t get discouraged. You may not be able to take all of the steps at one time. Get a good night’s sleep and do what you can tomorrow.
• Reward yourself. Find fun things to do to decrease your stress. Round up some colleagues for a lunchtime walk, join a singing group, or have a healthy dinner with your family or friends.
In addition:
Maintain a healthy weight ( which is accomplished through steps I & 2)
Monitor your blood pressure
Don’t smoke. Cigarette smoking greatly increases your risk for heart disease
Limit alcohol use
Have your cholesterol checked
Manage your diabetes
Take your medicine. If you’re taking medication to treat high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes, follow your doctor’s instructions carefully. Always ask questions if you don‘t understand something.
* Always consult your health care provider before initiating a new exercise program
****************Heart attack symptoms·**··******************··
The five major symptoms of a heart attack are
• Pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck, or back.
• Feeling weak, light-headed, or faint.
• Chest pain or discomfort.
• Pain or discomfort in arms or shoulder.
• Shortness of breath.
If you think that you or someone you know is having a heart attack, call 9-1-1 immediately.
More information is available here and as always from your health care provider.
http://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/about.htm
http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/HeartAttackiAboutHeartAttacks/About-Heart–Attacks_UCM_002038_Article.jsp#.VrZii4f2Yfl
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/hdw/treatment