09 Feb
by Brittany Hamm, RN, BSN
SIOUX CENTER – Are you thinking about love this February? Consider taking time to find out about the health of your heart.
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| Brittany Hamm |
February is American Heart Month!
Take a moment to think about the following: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the No. 1 cause of death in both women and men in the United States is cardiovascular disease, which includes heart disease, stroke and high blood pressure.
You can help keep your heart healthy by taking the following steps:
- Monitor diet: Limit sodium, saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol. Try to get five servings of fruits and vegetables a day – and plenty of fiber!
- Exercise regularly: Exercising helps you maintain a healthy weight and lowers your cholesterol and blood pressure. Try activities that increase your heart rate at least 30 minutes (doesn’t have to be consistent minutes), five days a week. You don’t have to be a marathon runner – even making daily choices to park your car farther away, take the stairs, or schedule breaks in your work day to get up from your desk and walk are beneficial. Consistency is the key – pick a plan you can stick to.
- Avoid tobacco use and alcohol: These products can raise your blood pressure.
- Know how your heart is doing: Get your cholesterol and blood pressure checked to know your heart’s health. High blood pressure and cholesterol can do a lot of damage to your heart and body before you ever begin to feel sick. The earlier they are detected, the better!
What can Promise Community Health Center help me with?
- Free blood pressure screenings. Anyone is welcome to stop by Promise and have their blood pressure checked for free. No appointment is necessary.
- Providers can meet with you. They will talk to you about your family history and identify if you are at risk for heart disease. They also can check your cholesterol.
- Ready to quit smoking? Promise can support you during this process and help you sign up to receive free nicotine-replacement medication and personal counseling as you become a nonsmoker.
Make sure you have a healthy heart for your valentine this February!
Promise Community Health Center, headquartered in Sioux Center, is the only Federally Qualified Health Center in the far northwest corner of Iowa. To learn more, visit www.promisechc.org or call 712-722-1700.
Brittany Hamm is the clinic manager for Promise Community Health Center in Sioux Center.
Brittany Hamm is the clinic manager for Promise Community Health Center in Sioux Center.