World heart day 2013

 Your roadmap to a healthy heart

To mark World Heart Day, the World Heart Federation together with its members is calling on individuals and parents to reduce their own and their family’s risk of heart disease and stroke (CVD) because healthy children lead to healthy adults and healthy adults lead to healthy families and communities.  

Your roadmap to a healthy heart

 

Most of the major cardiovascular disease risks factors, such as physical inactivity or high blood pressure can be controlled. You can protect your heart with the following  pointers 

Get active

Even 30 minutes of activity a day can help to prevent heart attacks and strokes. Try to make exercise a regular part of your life: use the stairs instead of the lift, get off the bus a few stops earlier and walk the rest of the way.

 

Stop smoking and protect yourself from tobacco 

Your risk of coronary heart disease will be halved within a year and will return to a normal level over time. Avoid smoke-filled environments: exposure to second-hand smoke significantly increases risk of heart attack. 

Maintain a healthy weight

 

Limit your salt intake which will help to control your blood pressure and lower your risk of heart disease and stroke.

Know your numbers

Have your blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose levels checked regularly. High blood pressure is the number one risk factor for stroke and a major factor for approximately half of all heart disease and stroke. High blood cholesterol and glucose levels can also place you at greater risk.

 

Eat healthy

Eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, a variety of whole grain products, lean meat, fish, peas, beans, lentils, and foods low in saturated fats. Be wary of processed foods, which often contain high levels of salt. Drink lots of water!

Know the warning signs

Heart attacks often manifest themselves differently in women than in men. Learn the warning signs: the sooner assistance is sought, the greater the chances of a full recovery.

Carefully take your medication

Take the medication that your doctor has prescribed

Today we have an opportunity to prevent the future impact of heart disease and stroke by adopting heart-healthy living from childhood and throughout adulthood. Are you ready to take the road to a healthy heart?

 Source :-http://www.world-heart-federation.org/what-we-do/awareness/go-red-for-women/protect-your-heart/