Love Your Heart
February is American Heart Month! This is the perfect time to become more aware of cardiovascular health in your life. Keeping your heart healthy and knowing the signs of problems could be life-saving knowledge to have. As the heart is the symbol of love… this is a time to show yourself the love. Learn about your risks for heart disease and stay “heart healthy” for yourself and your loved ones.
For Heart Health Month, on Tuesdays new Care Resource clients and walk-ins can receive no-cost cholesterol and blood pressure screenings. This offer is valid only during the month of February. No appointment is needed to redeem your no-cost screening.
According to Steven Santiago, M.D., Medical Director with Care Resource, “Heart disease continues to be a major cause of death among both men and women in the USA. Checking and treating problems with cholesterol and high blood pressure can decrease the risk of death, and lead to longer and healthier lives. We encourage everyone to know their numbers and get educated on what they can do improve their heart health!”
Below are just some of the many things one can do to maintain a healthy heart:
- Monitor your blood pressure. High blood pressure often has no symptoms, so be sure to have it checked on a regular basis.
- Get your cholesterol checked. Your health care team should test your cholesterol levels at least once every 5 years. Talk with your Care Resource health care provider about this simple blood test.
- Be sure to eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Adults should have at least five servings each day. Eating foods low in saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol and high in fiber.
- The Surgeon General recommends that adults should engage in moderate-intensity activity for at least 150 minutes per week. Remember to incorporate exercise into your day in different ways. Exercising with friends and family can be a great way to stay healthy and have fun.
- Over time, excessive alcohol use can lead to the development of chronic diseases and other serious problems with high blood pressure that can lead to cardiovascular issues.
- Don’t smoke. Cigarette smoking greatly increases your risk for heart disease. If you don’t smoke, don’t start. If you do smoke, quit as soon as possible. Your Care Resource health care provider can suggest ways to help you quit.
- Multiple studies show music, meditation and mindfulness can improve your heart’s health. Practicing mindfulness or meditation for 10 minutes a day improves heart rate, reduces stress, and lowers blood pressure. Regular meditation lowers the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.
About Care Resource:
Care Resource is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization and a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) with four locations in Midtown Miami, Little Havana, Miami Beach, and Fort Lauderdale. The health center provides comprehensive health and support services to address the full health care needs of South Florida’s pediatric, adolescent, and adult populations.
