health
February is Heart Month
Public Health Encourages Residents To Take Care of Their Heart
by KRISTIN PATTEN , South Health District
February is Heart Month and public health wants to remind everyone to take care of their heart this and every month .
Heart Disease is the leading cause of death in the United States according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . Georgia Department of Public Health ’ s South Health District wants to remind residents that there are steps you can take to reduce your risk for heart disease and to take care of their heart .
Some ways people can live heart healthy include :
• Be Active - Incorporate physical activity into your daily routine . Maintain a body mass index ( BMI ) of less than 25 kg / m2 . to de-stress , giving yourself time to move more , preparing healthier meals , and not cheating on sleep can all benefit your heart .
“ During the pandemic , many of us struggled to take care of ourselves ,” said South Health District Health Promotion Coordinator Traci Gosier . “ Whether you go for a walk with a friend , challenge yourself to stop smoking or begin meal prepping so you avoid the drive-thru a few times a week , take this month to focus on caring for yourself and your heart .”
For more information on heart health visit www . cdc . gov / heartdisease . For more information on the Georgia Tobacco Quitline visit dph . georgia . gov / readytoquit .
• Eat Healthy - A diet consisting of high intakes of fruits and vegetables , cereal fiber , meat ( chicken and fish ), nuts , legumes , and low saturated and trans fats .
• Be Smoke Free - Call the Georgia Tobacco Quit Line 1-877- 270-STOP ( 7867 ) or sign up for smoking cessation classes .
• Get Checked - Get regular check-ups and take an active role in your health . Also monitor your blood pressure .
Another tip to improve your heart health is to focus on self-care . Devoting a little time every day to care for yourself can go a long way toward protecting the health of your heart . Simple self-care , such as taking a moment
48 Valdosta Scene | February 2023