February is national heart month and with an abundance of good and important heart topics to discuss, it wasn’t easy to pick which area to spotlight first. So, as I was brought up “ladies first” - and since this coming Friday February 6th is National Wear Red Day to help raise awareness about heart disease- it became easy to decide to start with the ladies and a few suggestion on staying healthy.
Commercials want us to believe that dark chocolate and red wine are always good for heart health, both physically as well as romantically, but is it true? It is important to point out a few statistics to fully understand the significance of heart disease, especially in women. “More female lives were lost due to cardiovascular disease than by cancer, chronic lower respiratory disease, Alzheimer’s, accidents, and diabetes combined.” Source: Heart Disease & Stroke Statistics – 2008 Update, American Heart Association. It is estimated that 49% of Black/African-American women, 35% of non-Hispanic white women, and 34% of Mexican-American women have some form of cardiovascular disease. (CDC). With nearly 81 million American adults having one or more type of heart disease it becomes clear we need to work hard to inform our loved ones of the risk and prevention of heart disease.
Obesity always seems to come up when we talk about health so let’s get that one out of the way first. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute at www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi/ has a simple, easy to use body mass index (BMI) calculator so you can calculate your own BMI quickly and easily at home. Body Mass Index is a number calculated from your weight and height, and it provides an indicator of body fat and health risk. A BMI of 25 or greater is considered to be overweight, and a weight loss program could reduce your risk. Be active for at least two and a half hours per week by including activities that raise your heart rate and breathing. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any exercise program.
Smoking increases the risk of high blood pressure and stroke. Smoking cessation can significantly reduce your risk for heart disease, and your risk of a heart attack decreases soon after quitting. The State of Tennessee offers a great free service for those wishing to quit smoking or quit other types of tobacco use at 1-800-784-8669 (1-800-QUIT NOW). By calling the Tobacco QuitLine you will receive a FREE tobacco quit kit, and work with a FREE Quit Coach to learn how to deal with tobacco cravings and other challenges. This is a great FREE service-so you have nothing to lose and everything to gain!
Diet and nutrition-along with a healthy weight and regular physical activity - can help lower blood pressure, cholesterol and also prevent obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Part of a heart-smart diet includes eating lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, lowering or cutting out added salt or sodium and saturated fats. A good source for sound nutritional information can be found at the Harvard School of Public Health www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/.
Guys, it’s time to really show the ladies in your life how important they are to you by supporting them in efforts to prevent heart disease. So, on February 6th make sure to wear red, and enjoy a little dark chocolate with a nice glass of red wine-all in the name of good health. Not only this week but every week. It may or may not help her heart, but it sure will help the romance.
Howard Baker, RN BSN
For questions, comments, or suggestions on topics you want to read about please email me at: letters@ubiquitousnurse.com
