Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s data shows that between 2000-2006, St. Croix County had an annual death rate of 195-382 per 100,000 residents age 35 or older due to heart disease.

So many of the risk factors for heart disease and other heart-related diseases can be combated by manageable lifestyle changes. Some of these factors include:

• smoking
• diet
• physical inactivity
• obesity
• stress
• diabetes

According to data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Institute for Medicine, smoking increases the risk of coronary heart disease by two to four times. Quitting smoking goes a long way towards preventing heart disease.

Another way I recommend boosting heart health is by adding foods such as whole grains, nuts, lean fish, vegetables such as carrots, spinach and broccoli and fruits such as oranges and blueberries to your diet. Eating such healthy foods will also help reduce obesity levels – further reducing your risk for heart disease.

In addition you should make sure your diabetes is under control, and try to keep your stress level to a manageable level.

In short – take a few moments each day to take care of yourself. Your heart will thank you.

Visit us online for more information on taking care of your heart at Westfields Hospital.