The American Heart Association Is kicking off American Heart Month with National Wear Red Day Friday, Feb. 7.
The wave of red clothing that takes over the first Friday of February each year unites people across the country and serves as a symbol for the common goal to eradicate heart disease and stroke.
This Friday, we’re going red in honor of the millions of women who are currently fighting heart disease, and in memory of those who have lost the battle. Share this article to raise awareness about preventing heart disease and check out ways to get involved locally with the Tucson Heart Ball on Feb. 15.
Women’s Health
There are inevitable health risks that come with getting older. Health issues most popularly talked about for women are arthritis, breast cancer, and dementia. But, did you know that heart disease is the number 1 killer of all women—claiming more lives yearly than every form of cancer combined? In 2017, heart disease took 299,578 women’s lives in the United States, causing about 1 in every 5 female deaths that year.
Risks and Reversal
About half of the American population have at least one of the three risk factors for heart disease, which are: high LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, high blood pressure, and a habit of smoking. You can reduce these risks by quitting smoking and getting your blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglycerides checked regularly by a healthcare professional.
A number of other lifestyle choices and medical conditions can also put people at risk for heart disease.
Here are the risks and ways you can combat them for better heart health:
Diabetes
Ask your healthcare provider if you should be tested for diabetes. Living with untreated diabetes heightens your risk of heart disease considerably. If you do have diabetes, be strict about monitoring and controlling it.
Being overweight or obese
Eating an unhealthy diet takes a toll on your heart. Speak with a dietician about ways to clean up your diet and manage your weight for a healthier heart.
Being physically inactive
Moving around and being active is one of the easiest ways you can lower your risk of heart disease. Commit to exercising, specifically cardio, a few times a week to thank your heart for all its hard work. Even the busiest people can find ways to be more active in their day to day life.
Consuming too much alcohol
Cutting back on your alcohol intake will help not only your heart but also other key organs like your pancreas and liver. Cutting the calories and carbs found in alcohol will also help you lose and maintain a healthy weight—all while saving you money and the hangover.
The Heart of Helping
At Tucson ER & Hospital, we are equipped to handle any medical issues, no matter how small or severe. From testing for diabetes and checking your blood pressure, to treating chest pains, heart attacks, strokes, congestive heart failure, blood clots, and more, we have you covered!
If you or a loved one are concerned that you might be at risk of developing heart disease, visit our facility today at 4575 E Broadway Blvd. Our staff is available 24/7, 365, to give you the quick and compassionate care you deserve.
Don’t forget to wear red this Friday and spread the word to help end heart disease!
Disclaimer: As a service to our readers, Tucson ER & Hospital and Nutex Health state no content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinicians.
Nutex Health, Inc supports you and your family’s health. You can depend on Tucson ER & Hospital or any of our concierge-level, medical facilities to deliver the emergency care you deserve.
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