CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH
You’re more susceptible to heart disease if you have health conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes, or a family history of heart disease. And heart disease becomes more common as you age. Healthy habits can significantly lower your chances of getting heart disease. Follow these habits to maintain good heart and overall health — especially if you have one of the risk factors described above: PREVENTING HEART DISEASE
DON’T SMOKE OR USE TOBACCO PRODUCTS If you already smoke, quit. And avoid secondhand smoke! Smoking is a major cause of heart disease and causes one in every four deaths from heart disease in the U.S. For information on your Medica tobacco cessation benefit, see page 8 .
LIMIT ALCOHOL Limit alcohol to two drinks a day for men, one drink a day for women.
EXERCISE Get regular aerobic exercise. For information on exercise for heart health, see page 21 .
TREAT HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE OR CHOLESTEROL In addition to the lifestyle changes indicated here, your doctor may treat your high blood pressure or cholesterol with medication. Be sure to take your medication exactly as prescribed. High blood pressure or cholesterol are significant risk factors for having a heart attack, but taking your medication correctly can significantly decrease that risk. Don’t make changes to your medication without talking to your doctor first. TREAT SLEEP APNEA When you have sleep apnea, your breathing repeatedly starts and stops as you sleep. This can increase your risk of heart attack, stroke and other health problems. If you think you might have sleep apnea, talk to your doctor. MAINTAIN A HEALTHY WEIGHT One in three Americans is obese (more than 20 percent above normal weight), so if you’re struggling to maintain a healthy weight, you’re not alone. Not sure if you’re at a healthy weight? See Know Your Numbers on page 6 .
Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, WebMD
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MEDICA MAGAZINE | SPRING 2020
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