February is National Heart Month. Heart Disease also known as cardiovascular disease is the #1 killer of women, so it’s important to understand ways to prevent it. In the following blog post, you will learn the key indicators of heart disease in women and most importantly, the best ways you can work to prevent it.
Top Tips to Prevent Heart Disease in Women
- Quit smoking – You can reduce your risk of developing heart disease by up to 50% if you quit smoking. This includes quitting vaporizers and cigarettes. If you need help quitting, seek support. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provide many resources for those looking to quit smoking here: https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/campaign/tips/quit-smoking/index.html
- Maintain a healthy weight – Curb cravings and ensure you are following a healthy diet. Following a nutritious eating pattern and exercising regularly can help keep your body as healthy as possible as you age. Speak with your physician about your Body Mass Index and weight to determine if a weight management program may help you. We also offer Ideal Protein at Jackson Healthcare for Women, which is a great solution for many women looking to achieve weight loss goals and maintain them.
- Get active – You are never too old to begin exercising. Adding thirty minutes of physical activity a day or a total of 150 minutes of exercise each week will help your heart health. Find something you enjoy such as walking, lifting weights, or attending exercise classes to help you maintain consistent fitness. Speak to your physician about the appropriate exercise program for you.
- Manage stress – We know this one is easier said than done. High levels of stress increase your blood pressure, which is a contributing factor to developing heart disease. Find time to wind down with practices like yoga, meditation, and physical activity. Speaking with a therapist may help you figure out ways for you to personally address stress at its onset and learn how to have a more positive reaction to it. We have counselors at Jackson Healthcare for Women who can provide you with tools to minimize stress.
- Avoid alcohol – Consuming too much alcohol can raise blood pressure and calorie intake – two contributors to heart disease. It may also increase the frequency of complications from heart conditions like arrhythmias and heart failure. Keep alcohol to a minimum.
- Get enough sleep – Sleeping at least 7-8 hours at night will improve heart health. Speak with your physician if you are having trouble sleeping through the night because he or she may be able to recommend ways your bedtime routine can improve sleep quantity and quality.
- Know your numbers – What are the numbers you need to know? Body Mass Index (BMI), cholesterol, blood glucose and blood pressure are key indicators of heart disease if they are not at the appropriate levels. Your physician will be able to tell you your numbers and if there are any of concern, help you take action to reduce your chances of developing heart disease, diabetes, and other illnesses.
Learn more about cardiovascular disease from The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists at: https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/heart-health-for-women
About Jackson Healthcare for Women
Jackson Healthcare for Women is Mississippi’s leading provider of health care services for women. With 15 physicians on staff, Jackson Healthcare for Women is one of the largest and most respected women’s healthcare clinics in the area. Schedule your annual exam or learn about our various preventive health screenings and services by visiting our website at jhcfw.com.