HealthyPlusFeb15spreads - Flipbook - Page 17
Healthy heart,
happy life
“ There’s a lot you can do
to lower your odds of
getting heart disease. Even
a few small changes can
improve your health and,
possibly, save your life.”
T
he human heart is an amazing thing. On an average day, your heart
beats about 100,000 times. That adds up to 35 million beats per year and
somewhere around 2.5 billion beats in an average lifetime.
Every one of those billions of beats ensures all the
organs and systems in your body get the oxygen
and nutrients they need to function. Every hour
of every day, your heart is working hard to keep
you well. Which begs the question: what are you
doing to keep your heart well?
Small changes can make a big difference
UR BLOOD PR
YO
ES
L
O
RE
SU
CO
NT
R
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for
both men and women in the United States. But,
according to Dr. Scott Rogge, Medical Director of
SVMC Cardiology, “There’s actually a lot you
can do a lot to lower your odds of getting heart
disease. Even a few small changes can improve
your health and, possibly, save your life.”
14 | HEALTHY+ | WINTER/SPRING 2022
SMOKING
OP
T
S
8
ways to start lowering your risk of
heart disease today
1. Quit smoking. If you smoke, quit. Smokers are
more than twice as likely to have a heart attack
as nonsmokers, and more likely to die if they
have a heart attack.
2. Take control of your blood pressure. Hypertension,
or high blood pressure, is the most common
heart disease risk factor. More than 50 million
Americans have it. While some people require
medication to control their blood pressure,
others can lower their numbers (and risk of heart
disease) through exercise and diet.
MOVING
GET
The following FREE programs can help you
take steps to improve your heart health:
Smoking Cessation:
3. Get to a healthy weight. The more
weight you carry, the harder your
heart has to work. Losing extra weight
lightens the load on your heart and can
help you lower blood pressure.
FreshStart (online
workshop)
myhealthyvt.org
802Quits (support
and classes)
802quits.org
4. Stay on top of diabetes. People with diabetes
are twice as likely to have heart disease or
a stroke—and at a younger age—than those
without diabetes. In addition, the longer you
have diabetes, the more likely you are to develop
heart disease. If you have diabetes, follow your
doctor’s advice for controlling your condition.
5. Rein in your rage. Studies have shown that people
who are angry more frequently and more
intensely are at higher risk for heart disease and
heart attacks. If you have trouble managing stress
and anger, talk with your health care provider
about strategies for controlling your emotions and
your risks.
6. Get moving. As a
muscle, your
heart needs
exercise
to stay
strong and
perform
well
(remember:
2.5 billion
E
8 ways to boost your heart health
– Scott Rogge, MD, FACC
Medical Director of
SVMC Cardiology
Help for a
healthier heart
AT
EART HEAL
RH
TH
FO
Exercise:
OneCare Vermont (online winter
exercise ideas and resources)
onecarevt.org/whats-your-play-winter/
General Health:
Diabetes Management (online workshop)
myhealthyvt.org
High Blood Pressure (online workshop)
myhealthyvt.org
Wellness Group (Bennington and Northshire)
ucsvt.org
beats per lifetime). A lack of exercise can weaken
the heat and lead to heart disease. The American
Heart Association recommends 30 minutes of
physical activity a day five days a week to improve
heart health and reduce heart disease risk. Check
with your doctor before starting a new exercise
program, especially if you aren't active now.
7. Eat for heart health. Food is fuel for your body and
heart. Certain foods can keep your body running
smoothly while others can literally gum up the
works. A diet of nutrient-rich foods such as fruits
and veggies, whole grains, lean poultry and fish
can help keep your heart (and body) performing
at its best.
8. Check your cholesterol regularly. Keep your
cholesterol numbers in the optimal range and
discuss with your provider if medication is
appropriate. +
SVHEALTHCARE .ORG | HEALTHY+ | 15