Heart health is critical to overall health. February is American Heart Month, a time when all people can focus on making sure their cardiovascular health is in good shape. Here at Bloom Plastic Surgery we fully advocate for the importance of heart health, and want to take this opportunity to educate, as well as share how our team personally cares for their hearts!
About heart disease
Heart disease is one of the most widespread and complicated health challenges in the United States and around the world. Cardiovascular disease — disorders of the heart and blood vessels — accounted for more than 860,000 (about one in three) deaths in the United States in 2017, according to the American Heart Association.
Worldwide, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death, killing 17.9 million people every year — a number that’s expected to grow past 23.6 million by 2030. About 80 percent of these deaths are from heart attack and stroke, disproportionately affecting low- and middle-income countries, according to the World Heart Federation.
In the United States, more than 126 million people had some form of cardiovascular disease between 2015 and 2018. During that time span, nearly 59 percent of non-Hispanic Black females and 60 percent of non-Hispanic Black males had some form of cardiovascular disease. The total direct costs of heart disease and stroke were estimated to be more than $200 billion between 2016 and 2017.
Despite these enormous challenges, there are some hopeful signs. Many risk factors for heart disease can be modified, including lack of physical activity, poor diet, and tobacco use. Continue reading to see how our team cares for their hearts.
How we care for our hearts
“I care for my heart by riding my peloton, sometimes when it’s still dark out. And cuddles with my kids.”
“I work out physically everyday 60-90 mins. I also have no expectations so I’m always happily surprised by people.”
“I walk about 2.5-3 miles about 4-5 days per week and Hot Yoga sculpt 3 days per week. I also refuse to rush out in the mornings- so I get up at 6 to take my coffee back into my bed – that is my relaxing “Me Time”…”
“I love taking walks with my kids, not only is this showing them how important physical health is but spending the quality time with my kids makes my heart happy.”
“Row 1-2 days per week. Take the stairs over the elevator whenever possible and drink lots of water.”
“I enjoy taking long walks with my kids. Having two under two, I am constantly running after and picking up a child.”
“I care for my heart by taking care of my mental health and speaking with a therapist.”
Tips for heart health
Engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy diet and weight, managing stress, avoiding smoking and vaping, and getting quality sleep each night can all reduce the risk of heart disease and help people live longer, healthier lives.
To help prevent heart disease, you can:
- Eat healthy.
- Get active.
- Stay at a healthy weight.
- Quit smoking and stay away from secondhand smoke.
- Control your cholesterol and blood pressure.
- Drink alcohol only in moderation.
- Manage stress.