According to the CDC, treatment of cardiovascular disease accounts form about $1 of every $6 spent on our country’s health care. Here are a few ways you can help yourself to reduce your risk:
- Stop smoking! Talk with your doctor about smoking cessation medications. When used correctly, they do work!
- Lose some weight. Obesity contributes to many health problems. Just by losing 10 pounds, you reduce your risk for heart disease. It doesn’t have to be hard, just go for some walks around the neighborhood, drink more water, and stop eating before bedtime.
- Get stress under control! We are all stressed beyond what is safe. High levels of stress can cause emotional, psychological and physical problems such as chest pain, irregular heartbeats and high blood pressure. Take a walk when things are getting out of control, turn your phone off–everyone else’s problems don’t need to become your problems, don’t watch the news, find a hobby, meditate, dance–there are lots of ways to de-stress!
- Keep blood sugars in check. If you are diabetic you have an increased risk for heart problems. Watch your carbohydrate intake.
- Lower your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Eating fiber is a good way to lower your cholesterol. Losing weight, controlling your stress and stopping smoking are great ways to lower your blood pressure and cholesterol levels.