Valentine’s Day Not the Only Reason to Think about Your Heart
Valentine’s Day is coming this Saturday. So as you run around this week making reservations and hustling for last minute gifts, it’s also a good time to think about the shape of your heart. I don’t mean your relationships status; I mean literally your heart. Because no matter how old you are, it’s never too late to show yourself some love.
It’s no coincidence that February, the month that brings us valentines, candies and hearts is also American Heart Month – a time the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) and public health authorities nationwide ask you to consider your risks for heart disease and stroke and stay "heart healthy" for yourself and your loved ones.
NMDOH reports about 4000 New Mexicans die every year from heart disease and stroke. Heart disease has consistently been the first or second leading cause of death in New Mexico each year and stroke has been the 5th leading cause.
Quality of life often goes down for people living with heart disease or the effects of a stroke. That’s why for public health workers throughout our state and nationwide there’s a lot of work and coordination going toward prevention efforts - and it is worth it!
NMDOH is behind the Million Hearts initiative in New Mexico. Created by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services in 2011, the goal of Million Hearts is to prevent one million heart attacks and strokes nationwide by 2017.
The Department of Health’s Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Program and its Million Hearts partners are working with health professionals, communities and families to promote a healthy environment in which New Mexicans can live, work and play.
That’s a good thing too, because according to the CDC the number of preventable deaths related to heart disease has declined in people aged 65 to 74 years, but it has remained unchanged in people under age 65. Men are more than twice as likely as women to die from preventable cardiovascular disease.
Manage Your Heart Health
While your sweetheart may have the key to your heart this Valentine’s Day, a proper diet and regular physical activity is the key to a healthy heart. So consider trying out these strategies for better heart health provided by NMDOH and the CDC. Doing all of this manages your heart health, assuring you’ll be around and healthy for many Valentine’s Days to come!
Manage Your Blood Pressure and Cholesterol
Talk with your health care professional about your health history, get your blood pressure and cholesterol checked, and work with your doctor to make appropriate healthy changes. If you’re taking medications to treat high blood pressure or high cholesterol, follow instructions carefully and always ask questions if you don’t understand something.
Eat a Healthy Diet
A healthy diet is one of your best weapons for fighting cardiovascular disease. A heart-healthy diet includes foods low in saturated and trans fat, cholesterol, sodium and added sugars, and foods high in whole grain fiber, lean protein, and a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Being overweight or obese can increase your risk for heart disease.
Move More
Physical activity helps you maintain a healthy weight and lower cholesterol and blood pressure.
Don't Smoke
Cigarette smoking greatly increases your risk for cardiovascular disease Limit alcohol use. Avoid drinking too much alcohol, which can increase your blood pressure. Men should stick to no more than two drinks per day, and women to no more than one.
Manage Your Diabetes
If you have diabetes, monitor your blood sugar levels closely, and talk with your doctor about treatment options.
Media Contact
We would be happy to provide additional information about this press release. Simply contact David Morgan at 575-528-5197 (Office) or 575-649-0754 (Mobile) with your questions.
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