#thehearttruth
The hard truth is those numbers are scary. The good news is you can do something about it. Several factors play a role in your heart disease risk.
You can decrease your risk by making the following healthy choices:
Don’t be a Couch Potato – Your mom was right. If you “don’t use it, you will lose it”. Physical activity is important for our body and keeps our heart strong. Regular exercise is essential for good heart health.
Quit Smoking – Chemicals in cigarette smoke cause plaque build-up and thickened blood in the arteries. This makes it more difficult for blood to get to vital organs like our heart and brain. This can create blood clots and lead to a heart attack or stroke.
Drink in Moderation – If you choose to drink alcohol, practice moderation. Over time, excessive alcohol use can lead to the development of chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, or liver disease.
Get Some Sleep and Avoid Stress – A wholesome 7-8 hours of sleep every night and reduced stress levels play a role in keeping your heart healthy. Get into healthy sleep patterns with a regular schedule and reduce screen time. Learn to manage your stress in healthy ways, and seek professional help if you are overwhelmed, anxious or depressed.
AxessPointe provides care for patients with concerns about their heart health. If you have symptoms or concerns don’t delay, call today, and make an appointment with one of our healthcare providers.
Heart Healthy Diet is Essential
It’s true. We are what we eat. Making the right diet choices greatly reduces our risk of heart disease.
Two important factors to a heart healthy diet are portion size and salt intake. Oversized portions have become all too common in the United States, and lead to obesity and high cholesterol. Additionally, high-sodium snacks and over seasoning can lead to high blood pressure.
Equally important are the ingredients we choose. Diets that are rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains contribute to our overall health, especially our hearts. Lean proteins are also essential to a heart healthy diet. Limiting saturated and trans fats is an important step to reduce your blood cholesterol and lower your risk of coronary artery disease.
Our AxessPointe healthcare providers are here to help with guidance about a heart healthy diet plan. Talk to our providers or bring a list of questions to your next appointment. We’re on your team and want to help you live your healthiest life.
AxessPointe Makes Heart Health Care Easier
AxessPointe services are available to all. This includes the uninsured, underinsured and Medicaid/Medicare patients.
Our healthcare teams provide diagnosis, treatment, and preventive medical and dental services. We accept Medicaid, Medicare, and most private insurances. Additionally, we provide a sliding-fee scale based on family size and income.
Don’t miss out on the care everyone deserves. Contact our office today and make an appointment. It’s the next step toward a healthy you.