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Community Corner

Bellone: Take Care of Your Heart

I urge Suffolk County residents to learn the facts about heart disease and to take steps to improve their health. The disease is the leading cause of death in Suffolk County and of men and women across the country.  February is American Heart Month, and the Suffolk County Department of Health Services joins the American Heart Association in promoting healthy lifestyles and healthy hearts.

Here are some ways the experts say you can avoid heart problems and stay healthy:

·         Eat a healthy diet. Choosing healthful meal and snack options can help you avoid heart disease and its complications. Be sure to eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables—adults should have at least 5 servings each day. Eating foods low in saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol and high in fiber can help prevent high cholesterol. Limiting salt or sodium in your diet also can lower your blood pressure

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·         Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese can increase your risk for heart disease. To determine whether your weight is in a healthy range, doctors often calculate a number called the body mass index (BMI).

·         Exercise regularly. Physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight and lower cholesterol and blood pressure.

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·         Monitor your blood pressure. High blood pressure often has no symptoms, so be sure to have it checked on a regular basis. You can check your blood pressure at home, at a pharmacy, or at a doctor's office. Find more information at CDC's High Blood Pressure Web site.

·         Don't smoke. Cigarette smoking greatly increases your risk for heart disease. If you don't smoke, don't start. If you do smoke, quit as soon as possible.

·         Limit alcohol use. Avoid drinking too much alcohol, which can increase your blood pressure. Men should stick to no more than two drinks per day, and women to no more than one. For more information, visit CDC's Alcohol and Public Health Web site.

·         Check your cholesterol. Your health care provider should test your cholesterol levels at least once every 5 years. Talk with your doctor about this simple blood test. You can find out more from CDC's High Cholesterol Web site.

·         Manage your diabetes. If you have diabetes, monitor your blood sugar levels closely, and talk with your doctor about treatment options. Visit CDC's Diabetes Public Health Resource for more information.

·         Take your medicine.  If you're taking medication to treat high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes, follow your doctor's instructions carefully.

 

Know the warning signs of heart attack, stroke or cardiac arrest.

 

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