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Carson Valley Medical Center • Winter 2017
Heart
health
WE’RE SURROUNDED by hearts this month.
Along with the paper and chocolate versions, there
are the human ones: the beating hearts of more
than 300 million Americans.
Unfortunately, we’re also surrounded by heart
disease. In the U.S., it’s the leading cause of death
for both men and women. But it can be prevented
and controlled. Even in a short month’s time, you
can do a lot to take better care of your heart.
Week 1:
Scrutinize labels.
Unhealthy
fats and cholesterol can clog arteries.
Salt can raise blood pressure. Sugar can pack on
pounds. To avoid these risks for heart disease, read
nutrition labels when you’re grocery shopping.
Look for foods with unsaturated fats, omega-3 fatty
acids, and low percentages of sodium and sugar.
Also, choose plenty of foods that come without
nutrition labels: fresh fruits and vegetables. They
are low in fat and sodium, and they contain fiber,
which can help prevent high blood cholesterol.
Week 2:
Get moving.
Like all muscles,
your heart needs exercise. This week—and
every week—aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-
intensity aerobic activity, such as brisk walking.
Share your heart-healthy habit with a loved one—
invite him or her to join you on a walk.
Week 3:
Know your numbers.
If you
don’t know your blood pressure and cho-
lesterol numbers, make an appointment this week
with your doctor to have them checked. Or, look
for our list of drop-in lab draw dates on page 4
for a quick, easy and affordable option to check-
ing your numbers. Having high blood pressure or
too much LDL cholesterol (the bad kind)—or not
enough HDL cholesterol (the good kind)—in your
blood can put you at risk for heart disease.
Being overweight also makes heart disease more
likely. You probably know if you’re carrying too
many pounds. But if you aren’t sure, it’s another
thing to discuss with your doctor.
He or she can advise you on lifestyle changes or
medicines to help you achieve heart-healthy num-
bers in all three areas.
Week 4:
Vow to quit.
Smoking harms the
heart as well as the lungs. So if you light up,
it’s important to ditch the habit for good. Smoking
also hurts your family and friends, because exposure
to secondhand smoke can trigger heart problems in
them. So quitting is an act of love—not only for your
heart but also for all the hearts that surround you.
Sources: American Heart Association; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention;
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
HEART ATTACK:
Know the warning signs
If you see these in yourself or someone else, don’t wait.
Call 911.
Chest pain, pressure, fullness or
squeezing that lasts more than a few
minutes or comes and goes
Pain in the arms, shoulder,
back, neck, jaw or stomach
Source: American Heart Association
Sudden lightheadedness, shortness
of breath, nausea or cold sweat
Always make the call first
What’s the first thing to do if you think you’re having a
heart attack? If you said, “Take an aspirin,” guess again.
According to the American Heart Association, you should:
Always call 911 before doing anything else. Don’t
make the mistake of thinking that your chest pain may
go away if you just take an aspirin. Waiting to call 911
could be deadly.
The 911 operator may recommend that you take an
aspirin as long as you don’t have an aspirin allergy or a
health condition that makes taking the drug too risky.
Additional source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
HEALTH & HEALING is published as a community service for the friends and
patrons of CARSON VALLEY MEDICAL CENTER, 1107 U.S. Highway 395 N.,
Gardnerville, NV 89410-5304, telephone 775-782-1500, website
www.cvmchospital.org.
Preston Becker
CEO/Administrator
Shannon Albert
Director of Development and Outreach
Becky Hanson
Marketing Manager
Information in HEALTH & HEALING comes from a wide range of medical
experts. If you have any concerns or questions about specific content that
may affect your health, please contact your healthcare provider.
Models may be used in photos and illustrations.
2017 © Coffey Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.
February is love-your-heart month
Want to know your numbers? Learn your blood pressure and cholesterol numbers by
coming to one of our CommunityWellness Lab Draws. See page 4.