Your heart is one of the most vital organs keeping you alive, beating about 2.5 billion times over the average lifetime. Focusing on heart health now can help you lead a happier and healthier life down the road. With small, positive lifestyle changes, you can work to avoid or even slow-down heart-related problems. By becoming aware of the risk factors and aliment associated with heart disease, you can prevent yourself and your family members from becoming another statistic of heart disease.
This is why Heart Health Awareness Month is so near and dear to our hearts. We want to see our members and our community live healthy, thriving lives, which is why we work to raise awareness for heart health and provide people in the community with the information they need to live a heart-healthy lifestyle.
Heart disease is the number one cause of death among men and women, claiming approximately one million lives per year. Various heart disease conditions can emerge when plaque, comprised of cholesterol, fat, calcium, and other substances in your blood build up inside your coronary arteries. These arteries supply the oxygen-rich blood to your heart muscles, so when plaque build-up, it restricts the blood flow to your heart’s chambers. This can lead to sudden cardiac death, heart attack, and stroke. Tips for leading a heart-healthy lifestyle include:
Be sure to visit your healthcare provider yearly for a regular health screening to test your cholesterol levels, blood sugar number, and your blood pressure. Problems like high cholesterol and high blood pressure can cause damage to your blood vessels and to your heart, so it is important to monitor and control these issues. Be sure to add heart-healthy foods such as beans, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to your diet to help protect your heart from disease.
For the entire month of February, the WHS Wilfred R. Cameron Wellness Center will be hosting events and other festivities that are focused around heart health to help further education and awareness about the importance of heart health. Proceeds from these events and donations that are collected will directly support the American Heart Association. So, come out and join us for all the fun while contributing to a great cause! Our upcoming events include:
Snack + Learn: The Power of Pulses- Tuesday, February 4th
Join Registered Dietitian Michelle Campion, as she discusses the plant food group pulses. Nearly every culture has a pulse at the backbone of their diet pattern. Learn how sustainable, versatile, and healthful lentils, dried beans, and peas are and how to utilize them to transform your plate and aide in heart health. A snack and recipe will be provided. Sign up at the front desk or online.
Kid’s Night Out: February’s Heart Healthy Pool Party! – Saturday, February 8th
Kid’s Night Out: February’s Heart Healthy Pool Party! Come join us for a night of safe and fun exercises, activities, and healthy snacks! Activities include a Pool Party, snack, games, sports, and more! This program is suitable for ages 3-13 years old.
*Options will be available for children not interested in swimming
Tobacco Cessation – (Wednesdays) February 12th – March 25th
6:00pm – 7:00pm, FREE
Chair Yoga – Thursday, February 27th
At WHS Cardiovascular Care (By the Wild Things Field), FREE
Take a break from your day and join us for an all-levels chair yoga class. Chair yoga is an ideal exercise for those suffering from conditions, such as chronic pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, osteoporosis, and multiple sclerosis.
Free Blood Pressure Testing – throughout the month
It’s important to know your numbers so you can be proactive about your health!
For more information about Heart Health Heart Awareness contact us at 724.225.WELL or https://wrcameronwellness.org/events/
Wilfred R. Cameron Wellness Center and Spa Harmony Gift Cards are available in any amount. It’s the perfect gift!FILL OUT FORM