Heart Disease and Stroke are leading causes of death in America. What if you had a road map to help keep your heart healthy and live a longer, healthier life? The American Heart Association has created just that, with its “Life’s Simple Seven” program. Research shows that if we make the right health choices we are very likely to prevent these health problems and feel healthier and stronger for
Life’s Simple Seven is a list of the 7 most important things you can do to live healthy and prevent heart disease. It starts with knowing your numbers, so you can see where you are, and what you need to work on.
1. Check your Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is the most important risk factor for heart disease and stroke. When your blood pressure stays within healthy ranges, you reduce the strain on your heart, arteries, and kidneys which keeps you healthier longer. One out of 3 American Adults have high blood pressure. Bremo Pharmacy can check your blood pressure for you.
2. Know your Cholesterol
High cholesterol clogs up your arteries, which can cause heart disease and stroke. With controlled values, you give your arteries their best chance of staying clear of blockages. Bremo Pharmacy offers cholesterol screenings year round. From now through September we are offering the screenings at a reduced price of $25. Make an appointment 804-288-8361 ext 120.
3. Check your Blood Sugar
If your blood sugar is too high, you are at risk for diabetes. People with diabetes are at a much higher risk for heart disease than those with healthy blood sugar levels. A simple screening can test your blood sugar, as well as whether you have signs and symptoms of high blood sugar. We can do this screening at Bremo Pharmacy as well.
4. Don’t Smoke
Smoking puts you at a higher risk of having heart or circulation problems. If you smoke, quitting is the best thing you can do for your health.
5. Eat Healthy
Following a heart friendly diet is one of the best things you can do to stay healthy. A heart friendly diet includes lots of fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Many Americans eat too many high fat, processed foods, or those that contain too much sugar and salt. Another common downfall is eating more food than we actually need. The best plan is to keep a log of what you eat and make small changes over time. “My Fitness Pal” is a great tool for keeping an electronic log of your diet, and learning how to make better choices. It is a free app you can use on your phone.
6. Exercise
People who exercise have better health than those who do not. Plus, it helps improve blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and weight. The best plan includes 30 minutes of exercise 5 times per week. Build up to that goal by walking (or choosing an activity you enjoy) for 15 minutes a day.
7. Healthy Weight
If you begin eating better and exercising you will be well on your way to a healthy weight, which can help prevent both heart disease and diabetes.
The American Heart Association has a great online tool that helps you gather all the information about these 7 steps for healthy living, then helps you decide what changes you need to make to help you have a healthy heart.
At Bremo Pharmacy we believe good health starts with prevention, including lifestyle choices and early health screenings. The pharmacists at Bremo Pharmacy are happy to help you get started by offering blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar screenings.
