Love Your Heart

 

Love Your Heart

Written by Jennifer Korneski (Somerset County 4-H & Healthy Living Coordinator)

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February is known as heart month, not just because of sweet Valentines, but because it is nationally recognized as American Heart Month. Celebrating its 57th year, the first proclamation of Heart Month was issued by President Lyndon B. Johnson in February 1964, nine years after he had a heart attack. Thanks to organizations such as the American Heart Association and National Heart Lung Blood Institute, among others, millions of people are enjoying longer, healthier lives. But despite research and advancements in medicine, heart disease remains the leading cause of death among men and women in the United States. More education and awareness are needed if we want to shift away from “not me” thinking and encourage life-long behavior change.

  • Cardiovascular Disease affects 1 in 3 Americans.

  • 83% of Americans believe that heart attacks can be prevented but aren’t motivated to do anything.

  • 72% of Americans don’t consider themselves at risk for heart disease.

  • 58% put no effort into improving their heart health.

What exactly is cardiovascular disease? This term is used for an umbrella of diseases that affects the heart or blood vessels. Common types include coronary heart disease (clogging of arteries or atherosclerosis due to plaque and cholesterol build up that can cause heart attacks), stroke (when a blood vessel leading to the brain gets blocked), heart failure (heart doesn’t pump oxygen-rich blood as it should), peripheral artery disease (narrowing of the peripheral arteries most commonly to the legs), or arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythm).

When I think of my family, my husband and I both have family members with various forms of cardiovascular disease. Family history and age are risk factors that are uncontrollable, but there are many lifestyle factors that are controllable. Through routine self-care, knowing your numbers, understanding your risk and making positive life choices, you can greatly lower your risk.

Preventable Risk Factors:

  • Smoking

  • High Blood Pressure

  • High Cholesterol

  • Obesity

  • Diet & Nutrition

  • Physical Inactivity

  • Stress Management

Diet & exercise play a huge role in most of these lifestyle risk factors. In order to maintain a healthy weight and get the nutrients you need for your body to function at its best, focus on eating more fruits, vegetables, whole-grains, lean protein and low-fat dairy. Eat less salt, sugar and saturated fat. To view some heart healthy recipes and cookbooks offered by the American Heart Association, visit https://recipes.heart.org/.

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As a parent, I want to create an environment for my children that provides them with opportunities to develop healthy habits that will last a lifetime. Children are very observant and one of the best ways to encourage heart healthy habits is to be a positive role model. Get children involved in cooking and enjoying eating a rainbow of fruits & vegetables instead of sugary snacks. Make exercise a family activity, go for a walk, hike, or bike ride, try a yoga or dance video or play hoops in the driveway.

The first Friday of February is designated as National Wear Red Day. Join me on February 5th, by wearing red to help create awareness for heart health. More importantly, love your heart everyday to lower your risk of heart disease and improve your overall health and wellness.

SOURCES

 
Somerset County 4-H