FEBRUARY HEALTH & WELLNESS THEME

FEBRUARY IS HEART MONTH

CHECK OUT THE FOLLOWING SITES FOR INFORMATION ON MAINTAINING A HEALTHY HEART:

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute: http://www.nhlbi.gov/health/public/heart/index.htm

This site contains information on cholesterol, congenital heart defects, heart attack, high blood pressure, obesity and physical activity, recipes, as well as related articles.

American Heart Association: http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=1200000

This site contains information on major advances in heart disease and stroke research, a heart & stroke encyclopedia, healthy lifestyle, CPR & ECC, children's health, diseases & conditions, and heart attack/stroke warning signs, as well as related articles.

FDA Heart Health Online: http://www.fda.gov/hearthealth/

This site contains information on the healthy heart, risk factors, diagnosis, treatment, healthy lifestyles, frequently asked questions, links, and includes a site index.

WebMD Heart Health Center: http://webmd.com/heart/

This site contains top stories about heart disease and prevention, common treatments for heart health such as easing stress, exercise, and heart healthy diet, news and features, and related stories and information about heart disease.

The following is an excerpt from HealthTeacher.com regarding the importance of starting young to ensure a healthy heart:

Many heart diseases develop gradually over time and get worse as people age. According to the New England Journal of Medicine, approximately 19 percent of American children aged 6 to 11 years are classified as overweight. This study stated that there is a connection between higher body mass index during childhood and an increased risk for coronary heart disease as an adult.

A lifetime of bad habits such as eating foods high in cholesterol and not exercising impacts the body and the heart. It is important to maintain healthy cholesterol levels and to exercise regularly to maintain heart health. The AHA recommends consuming less than 300 mg of cholesterol per day. A healthy diet should include recommended portions of fruits and vegetables, whole grain & high fiber breads and cereals, and fat free & low-fat dairy products. Consumption of processed foods should be kept to a minimum. The U.S.D.A and the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services recommends that children participate in at least 60 minutes of physical activity most days.

Source: Health Teacher. http:www.healthteacher.com. 1/30/08

MORE INFO:

Statistics

Coronary heart disease is America's No. 1 killer. Stroke is No. 3 and a leading cause of serious disability. That's why it's so important to reduce your risk factors, know the warning signs, and know how to respond quickly and properly if warning signs occur.

Heart Attack Warning Signs

Some heart attacks are sudden and intense where no one doubts what's happening. But most heart attacks start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Often people affected aren't sure what's wrong and wait too long before getting help. Here are signs that can mean a heart attack is happening:

• Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.

• Discomfort in other areas of the upper body.Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.

• Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort.

• Other signs may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness

As with men, women's most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort. But women are somewhat more likely than men to experience some of the other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting, and back or jaw pain.

Learn the signs, but remember this: Even if you're not sure it's a heart attack, have it checked out. Minutes matter! Fast action can save lives, maybe your own. Don't wait more than five minutes to call 9-1-1.

Source: American Heart Association

www.medicalook.com/.../heart-diseases1.jpg