February is American Heart Month, the perfect time to focus on your heart health and evaluate whether you’re at risk for high blood pressure [hypertension]. Tens of millions of American adults have hypertension, but many don’t have it under control. The unfortunate fact is that this “silent killer” typically goes unnoticed for years as it puts your health at risk. The main reason hypertension is dangerous is because it increases the workload of the heart and blood vessels. Heart disease is the #1 killer of American adults. Left untreated, hypertension can ultimately lead to health crises such as stroke or heart attack.
What to Do to Prevent Hypertension & Heart Disease
Keeping your blood pressure in a healthy range is essential. The good news is that hypertension, a chronic condition with no cure, can be avoided. You can prevent hypertension by being aware of your risk factors, having annual physical checkups, practicing a lifestyle, and making necessary changes as needed. Although not all factors that cause hypertension can be controlled, such as genetic or advancing age, many of the things that put you at increased risk can be modified through important lifestyle changes.
The following put you at increased risk of developing hypertension:
- Smoking cigarettes
- Being overweight or obese
- Eating an unhealthy diet
- Drinking alcohol excessively
- Being sedentary
- Developing type 2 diabetes
- Not getting enough sleep
What Can I Do to Avoid Hypertension & Heart Disease?
You can improve your blood pressure even if you already have hypertension by practicing healthy lifestyle choices. To do so, make sure you avoid tobacco, keep yourself at a healthy weight, eat a nutritious diet, limit alcohol intake, and exercise regularly. You should also see your primary care provider at least once per year for a physical exam to monitor your blood pressure. If you have a heart condition, your primary care doctor can refer you to a cardiologist for specialized care. Cardiologists are physicians who diagnose, treat, and manage heart disease.
Take Action Today to Protect Your Heart Health
Florida Health Care Plans [FHCP] promotes heart health awareness. We serve our community by offering FHCP policyholders many different options to maintain a healthy heart, including access to cardiology physicians, heart healthy nutrition classes, hypertension classes, and fitness benefits.
For more information about FHCP, please contact us today at 800-352-9824
About Florida Health Care Plans
Florida Health Care Plans serves our community with an extensive list of local health care providers in Flagler, Volusia, Seminole, Brevard, and St. Johns Counties. These facilities are designed with convenience and comfort in mind, whether you’re visiting your family doctor, getting an X-ray, or utilizing our cost-effective, members only pharmacies.
Carbon monoxide is a poison of high risk that you cannot smell, see or taste, but it is deadly. Carbon monoxide enters the body through the lungs and is transported through the blood. The carbon monoxide keeps the blood from transporting the oxygen to the tissues of the body. Oxygen is essential to the functioning of the heart and the brain; lack of it can be fatal. Unless a house is totally electric
your family has a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Burning kerosene, oil, natural gas and wood can produce carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is only a problem if the appliances and equipment are not functioning properly. Worn parts and improper ventilation can cause carbon monoxide to be released in the home. The following products also can produce carbon monoxide: The most important thing that you can do to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning is to buy and install CO detectors in your house or apartment. Detectors save the lives of many people each year. The detectors also make a perfect gift. If you have any questions call 1-800-222-1222. You can prevent carbon monoxide poisonings by doing the following:
- Hire a professional to install your heating
- Clean the chimney and heating equipment each winter before using it
- Inspect the ventilation of all appliances
- Install carbon monoxide detectors in your home and garage
- Check your vehicle regularly
- Never leave your car running in the garage
- Never sleep inside a running car
- Repair your lawn mower and other gas or oil powered equipment in the fresh air
When a person is poisoned with carbon monoxide he presents with symptoms similar to a common flu accompanied by headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, loss of muscle strength, chest pain, convulsions, wanting to sleep more, rapid heartbeat and confusion. If you suspect that you or your family could have been exposed to carbon monoxide, you should:
- Evacuate everyone to fresh air
- Call the fire department at 911
- Call the poison center at 1-800-222-1222
- Call the gas or oil company that cares for your heating