BLAZE Team learn to take care of hearts in February

  • Published
  • By Trudy Glusenkamp
  • 14th Medical Operations Squadron
COLUMBUS AFB, Miss. --  The 14th Medical Group would like to remind the BLAZE Team that February is American Heart Month. This is a month dedicated to awareness of the risks and dangers of cardiovascular disease. 

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. The most common heart disease in the United States is coronary heart disease, which often appears as a heart attack. 

This year about 1.2 million Americans will have a first or recurrent heart attack. About 452,000 of these people will die. The chance of developing heart disease can be reduced by taking steps to prevent and control factors that put people at risk. High cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, tobacco and secondhand smoke are all risk factors associated with heart disease. 

A healthy diet and lifestyle are the best weapons you have to fight heart disease. The Registered Dietitian at the Health and Wellness Center advises that it is the overall pattern of the choices one make that counts. Follow these guidelines to help reduce the risk of heart disease: 

· Don't use tobacco -- It's the No. 1 preventable cause of serious illness such as heart disease, stroke, lung cancer and emphysema.
· Be physically active -- It can build endurance, control blood pressure, reduce cholesterol levels, aid in weight control and reduce the risk of developing diabetes.
· Eat healthy foods -- Foods high in saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol contribute to atherosclerosis, a primary cause of heart attack and stroke. Consuming too much salt (sodium) can cause high blood pressure in some people.
· Watch your weight -- Obesity is a major risk factor.
· Avoid excessive alcohol -- One or two drinks a day may help increase "good" HDL cholesterol, but heavy drinking can contribute to high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke.
· Have regular checkups -- A doctor can pinpoint major risk factors such as smoking, elevated cholesterol or blood pressure, excess weight and diabetes.
· Control your cholesterol -- A simple blood test can show a patient's blood cholesterol level. If it's too high, dietary changes, exercise, weight loss, and/or drug therapy can bring it down to a safer level.
· Keep tabs on your blood pressure -- Even if it's less than 120/80 mm Hg, have it checked at least every two years. If it's 120/80 or above, have it checked more often, according to a doctor's recommendations.
· Keep diabetes in check -- A doctor can detect diabetes or a pre-diabetic condition and prescribe a program to minimize the risk. 

For questions or more information on healthy lifestyle choices, contact the Health and Wellness Center at 434-2477.