Heart Awareness Month

February is national heart month!  This month brings awareness to people who are interested in heart disease or looking for heart disease prevention.  Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women.  This disease is preventable and controllable if individuals are willing to take an active approach in improving their health.  As we age, it is important that we all become more engaged in our own health.  There are many different signs and symptoms that pertain to a heart attack.

The five main symptoms include:

-Pain or discomfort in the neck, jaw, or back

-Feeling weak, light headed, or faint

-Chest pain or discomfort

-Pain or discomfort in arms or shoulder

-Shortness of breath

If someone you know is experiencing any of these types of symptoms, do not hesitate to call 911.  It is better to be safe than sorry.  However, there are measures that one can incorporate into their lifestyle that can improve their chances of not having heart disease.

The seven easy steps listed below can change your life!

-Do not smoke.  (If you do smoke try to stop)

-Maintain a healthy weight

-Devote 150 minutes to moderate intensity physical exercise a week.  It is easy as taking a walk

-Maintain a healthy diet

-Manage your blood pressure

-Keep cholesterol in check

-Manage your blood glucose levels

Also, do not hesitate to schedule a doctor’s appointment for checkups.  Everyone will have a better outcome if the early stages of heart disease are caught and regularly monitored.  Please spread the word that February is heart month awareness.  You never know, you could save someone’s life just by sharing this message.