Live healthier and lower your risk for heart disease

BRITT -Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. February is American Heart Month and Hancock County Health System's Heart and Vascular Center would like to encourage you to care for yourself, and your loved ones, by reminding you of the importance of preventive care.

The most common type of heart disease is coronary artery disease (CAD), according to the National Health Information Center, in the United States. "The great news is that you can greatly reduce your risk for CAD through lifestyle changes and preventive care," said Ami Frohling, ARNP, HCHS Heart and Vascular Center.

To keep your heart healthy, Frohling recommends the following:

Maintain a healthy weight

Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke

Control your cholesterol levels and blood pressure

Drink alcohol only in moderation

Get regular exercise and eat healthier

Ask your doctor about taking aspirin every day (if you are a man over the age of 45, or a woman past menopause)

Manage stress

While controlling physical risk factors is obviously a great way to help prevent any condition, so is maintaining a healthy spirit. For example:

Remaining optimistic. Research shows that happiness and a positive attitude are associated with lower rates of disease.

Controlling stress. Stress relievers like deep breathing and muscle relaxation exercises and keeping a journal, can be helpful in controlling the impact stress has on your body.

Doing everything in moderation. Don't try to do too much at one time ? make sure to have time for proper nutrition, sleep, work and play.

Creating a network. Maintaining a close circle of family and friends can provide you with emotional support when you need it.

Lastly, getting annual physicals and tests from your doctor is key in sustaining your health and preventing heart disease, Frohling said.

If you don't have a primary care provider, finding one is easy ? just call HCHS Clinics at 641-843-5050. If you would like to schedule checkup for your heart health, that's easy to do as well through HCHS Clinics. For an appointment with Frohling, just call 641-843-5050.