February 21, 2025

Celebrate Heart Health Month with Us!

February is Heart Health Month, a time to focus on keeping our hearts strong and healthy. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States, accounting for 1 in every 5 deaths. The good news is that there are steps you can take to protect your heart.

Understanding Heart Disease

Heart disease includes various conditions that affect the heart’s ability to function properly. The most common type is coronary artery disease, which can lead to heart attacks. In the United States, someone has a heart attack every 40 seconds.

How to Keep Your Heart Healthy

Here are some ways to take care of your heart:

  • Eat Healthy Foods: Enjoy plenty of fruits and vegetables. Choose whole grains like brown rice and oatmeal. Pick lean proteins such as chicken, fish, beans, and nuts. Try to limit foods high in salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats. If you’d like help eating healthier, ask your Care Team about seeing a nutritionist right here at Lowell Community Health Center.
  • Stay Active: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week, such as walking, dancing, aerobics, or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity, like running. Regular exercise helps keep your heart strong.
  • Don’t Smoke: Avoid smoking and stay away from secondhand smoke. Smoking can harm your heart and blood vessels. If you need help quitting, our Care Team can provide resources and support.
  • Manage Stress: Chronic stress may contribute to heart disease. Consider activities like meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga to help manage stress.
  • Monitor Your Blood Pressure: High blood pressure often has no symptoms but significantly increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. Regular monitoring can help you keep it under control.

High Blood Pressure and Heart Health

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a major risk factor for heart disease. Nearly half of adults in the United States have hypertension, yet only about 1 in 4 have it under control.

Managing your blood pressure is crucial for heart health. Here are some tips:

  • Take Prescribed Medications: If your doctor prescribes medication for high blood pressure, take it as directed. Medication adherence is critical to successful blood pressure control.
  • Reduce Sodium Intake: Eating too much salt can raise blood pressure. Aim to consume less sodium by choosing fresh foods and reading nutrition labels to select low-sodium options.
  • Limit Alcohol Consumption: Drinking too much alcohol can increase blood pressure. Men should limit themselves to two drinks per day, and women to one drink per day.

If you have questions about managing your blood pressure, our Care Team at Lowell Community Health Center is here to help. We offer personalized plans and support to keep your heart healthy.

Talk to Your Care Team

Your health is a partnership. If you have any questions or concerns about your heart health, don’t hesitate to reach out to your Care Team at Lowell Community Health Center. We’re here to provide guidance, support, and resources tailored to your needs. Together, we can develop a plan to maintain or improve your heart health.

References:

Million Hearts®. Improving Medication Adherence Among Patients with Hypertension.https://millionhearts.hhs.gov/data-reports/factsheets/adherence.html