3 things you can do to decrease your risk of heart disease

As a Certified Exercise Physiologist in our Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation department, I help people recover after they have experienced a serious cardiovascular event (a health issue related to the heart and blood vessels) like a heart attack or stroke.

I see a lot of people whose lives have been affected by heart disease, which is currently the number one cause of death. What I like about working in Cardiac Rehabilitation is that I get to help people get stronger and put practices in place so they can look forward to enjoying more life.

Do you know if you’re at increased risk of having a heart attack or stroke? Most people don’t realize they’re at risk until something serious happens to their health. Watching the factors that affect your heart health can give you time to make changes that will have a positive impact on your health. The good news is that up to 80 percent of cardiac events can be prevented.

Here are 3 things you can do to reduce your risk of a heart attack or stroke:

• Know your numbers: Schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider to check your blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose. It’s important to know your risk factors and how to decrease them with lifestyle changes and/or medication if needed.
• Take charge of your health: Stop smoking, lose weight if necessary, be physically active and eat healthy. (I know these things are not easy, but always worth the effort, especially when you consider what’s at stake. Even making small changes is helpful.)
• Educate and be a positive influence on others: Make healthy food choices for you and your family. Encourage those you care about to get a checkup. Parents: start early to teach your kids about the benefits of good nutrition and being physically active.

If you haven’t scheduled time with your primary care provider for more than a year, it’s time for a checkup to get your blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose checked. Knowing your results or “your numbers” is empowering. Encourage others you care about to schedule a checkup with a primary care provider. A loving nudge can be the best way to say I love you or just to show you care.

If you’re looking for a primary care provider, I invite you to call Winona Health at 507-457-7648 or visit winonahealth.org/primarycare to learn about your options. I know any one of my fellow Winona Health caregivers will be a wonderful resource to help you take care of yourself. So, show yourself some love and schedule your appointment.