Go Red For Women

Did you know that heart disease is the number one cause of death for women? Luckily, there are ways to know if you are at risk, as well as how to decrease your risk from developing heart disease.

Why you and your children should exercise on a daily basis:

Research has shown that both children and adults need at least 60 minutes of moderate to intense physical activity a day. A lack of daily activity is a major risk factor for developing coronary artery disease. Along with developing coronary artery disease, not exercising can also increase a person’s risk for stroke, obesity, high blood pressure, low cholesterol, and diabetes. Physical activity has benefits psychologically, socially, and physically. If a child is not active when they are young, there is a small chance that they will be active as an adult.

Cholesterol:

Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in the blood and all of our cells. Our bodies use it to make Vitamin D, hormones like estrogen and testosterone, and as a building block of cell membranes (think of those as the ‘skin’ of the cell). However, your body makes about 80% of the cholesterol it needs, so diets that are high in cholesterol can lead to an excess within the body. There are two different types of cholesterol, LDL and HDL. LDL is considered the bad cholesterol which over time can clog your arteries. Going to the doctor and checking your cholesterol is one of the most beneficial ways to make sure your cholesterol is at a good level.

Blood Pressure:

High blood pressure is another condition that can be controlled and monitored by seeing your doctor. You can also control your blood pressure by staying active and eating healthy foods.

Diabetes:

Both high cholesterol and blood pressure can increase your risk at developing of developing diabetes, which in turn increases your risk for developing heart disease. Being cautious of what you put into your body and exercising daily will decrease your risk for all of these.

Quit Smoking!

Smoking is a huge factor in developing heart disease. When you quit smoking your risk of heart disease is cut in half.