Learn healthy habit to help prevent heart disease
The Ewing Township Board of Health and Health Department would like to remind you that February is American Heart Month. Although heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States, it can be often be prevented. Healthy habits that can help prevent heart disease include:
- Choose healthy foods and drinks—high fiber fruits and vegetables can help prevent high cholesterol
- Stay at a healthy weight—extra weight puts extra stress on the heart and blood vessels.
- Get regular physical activity—helps to maintain a healthy weight, lower your blood pressure, blood cholesterol, and blood sugar levels.
- Don’t smoke—if you do smoke, quitting will lower your risk for heart disease.
1 of 3 adults in the United States has uncontrolled high blood pressure. Because high blood pressure usually has no signs or symptoms, the only way to know if you’re at risk for high blood pressure is to know your numbers.
If you have high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or diabetes, take the following steps to lower your risk for heart disease:
- Control your blood pressure—have your blood pressure checked at least once every 2 years if you have never had high blood pressure, and more often if you have high blood pressure.
- Check your cholesterol—get a blood test at least every 4-6 years, more often if you currently have high cholesterol.
- Manage diabetes—monitor your blood sugar levels regularly.
- Take your medicines as directed—follow your doctor’s instructions and never stop taking a medication without talking to your doctor first.
- Work with your health care team—bring a list of questions to your medical appointments to discuss with your doctor.
For more information on how to keep your heart healthy, visit: