February is American Heart Month

Since December 30, 1963, through an act of Congress, the President of the United States has issued an annual proclamation designating February as "American Heart Month."  In honor of this event, Healthy Parish 2020 will present a three-part article about heart disease, risk factors, heart attack, and lifestyle changes you can make to keep your heart healthy.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States.  To help prevent heart disease, you can: eat healthy, get active, stay at a healthy weight, quit smoking, stay away from secondhand smoke, control your cholesterol and blood pressure, drink alcohol only in moderation, and manage stress.

Knowing that you are at risk for heart disease may help motivate you to make these important lifestyle changes.  You are at higher risk for heart disease if you: have high cholesterol or high blood pressure, smoke, are overweight or obese, don't get enough physical activity, or don't eat a healthy diet.  Individuals at higher risk include woman over age 55, men over age 45, and those who have close family members who had heart disease.

Learn more about heart disease by taking this brief informative quiz, featured on the CDC website.  https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/quiz.htm