The Arc of Orleans County would like to wish you and yours a very Happy Valentine's Day. February is also American Heart Month and we thought we would share some information with you to keep you "Heart Healthy!"
Go Red for American Heart Month
High blood pressure is the single most significant risk factor for heart disease. When your blood pressure stays within healthy ranges, you reduce the strain on your heart, arteries, and kidneys which keeps you healthier longer. High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, means the blood running through your arteries flows with too much force and puts pressure on your arteries, stretching them past their healthy limit and causing microscopic tears.
What is the Cost of High Blood Pressure?
Uncontrolled high blood pressure can injure or kill you by causing heart disease or stroke. It's sometimes called "the silent killer" because it has no symptoms. Approximately 90% of all Americans will develop hypertension over their lifetime and one in three adults has high blood pressure, yet, many people don't even know they have it.
What Can I Do to Reduce My Blood Pressure?
Good news! High blood pressure is manageable. Whether your blood pressure is high or normal (normal is less than 120 mm Hg systolic AND less than 80 mm Hg diastolic or <120/80) the lifestyle modifications listed here provide a great heart-healthy living plan for all of us.
In addition, these changes may reduce your blood pressure without the use of prescription medications:
* eating a heart-healthy diet, which includes reducing sodium;
* enjoying regular physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight;
* managing stress;
* limiting alcohol;
* avoiding tobacco smoke.
Check out the American Heart Association's "Life's Simple 7" at http://mylifecheck.heart.org for a simple seven-step list to help you live a long, productive healthy life.
Source: American Heart Association
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