February is Heart Awareness Month. According to the Center For Disease Control and Prevention, someone suffers a heart attack every forty seconds in the United States, with heart disease being the number one cause of death among men and women.
The good news is that 87% of heart-related problems are believed to be preventable. And being aware of prevention and treatment options is critical.
Taking good care of your heart is really about taking good care of yourself. You can improve and protect your overall health when you:
- Get a daily dose of physical activity, such as a brisk, 30-minute walk.
- Cook meals that are low in sodium and unhealthy fats.
- Take your medications as prescribed and keep your medical appointments.
- Sleep 7-8 hours a night.
- Manage stress through, for example, meditation, yoga, a warm bath, quiet time with a good book or your favorite streaming show, or a fun and relaxing outing with friends.
- Be mindful of your weight and try to reach and maintain a healthy weight.
Part of self-care is knowing your health status. Even during uncertain and busy times, check your blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels. Talk to your healthcare provider about your heart health and make a plan to keep it healthy and strong.
Don’t wait to get help if you experience any heart attack warning signs. Some heart attacks are sudden and intense, but others start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Pay attention to your body and call 911 if you experience:
Don’t wait to get help if you experience any heart attack warning signs. Some heart attacks are sudden and intense, but others start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Pay attention to your body and call 911 if you experience:
- Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes – or it may go away and then return. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.
- Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
- Shortness of breath. This can occur with or without chest discomfort.
- Other signs. Other possible signs include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.
As an employer, providing a Group Health plan to your employees is an integral part of a benefits plan. Not only does it help attract the top candidates in your field, but it helps your employees get access to crucial medical care that will keep them healthy and your business thriving. For more Information on Group Health contact Jennifer French at 503-227-1771 or jfrench@epbb.com