by admin | Jan 12, 2017 | Blog |
February is Heart Health Month, when we raise awareness of the risks of heart disease. Heart Facts The heart does more physical work than any other muscle in your body The size of an adult heart is roughly the same as 2 fists, 1 fist for children Your heart beats about 100,000 times a day The heart pumps about 1 million barrels of blood during an average lifetime A woman’s heart beats more quickly than a man’s The heart can pump blood to your toes and back in about 16 seconds The ‘thumping’ sound your heart makes in caused by its 4 valves opening and closing Risk Factors As we get older, our risk of heart disease increases. However, there are many other considerations to take into account that are controllable and can reduce the risk of heart disease. Diet – What you eat is very important in reducing the risk of heart disease. You should eat as many servings of fruit and vegetables as possible while avoiding fatty foods and foods high in sugar. Smoking – Smoking causes blocked arteries, damaged lungs, and high blood pressure. All of these factors contribute to a greater risk of heart disease. Exercise – Getting regular exercise is crucial to reducing your risk. Daily exercise improves circulation, reduces stress, and helps keep your body weight at an ideal and healthy level. Useful Approaches Sometimes knowing what changes you have to make in your life are easier said than done. Here are some suggestions of how to get started. Get support – Having someone there to help you through a life change such...
