Vim & Vigor - Spring 2012 - Parrish Medical Center - (Page 13)

THE BAD BOY RISKY BEHAVIOR: Ignoring doctor’s orders or not going to the doctor at all THE SITUATION: Without knowing your current numbers, you won’t know your heart-health risk, and you won’t know what actions are necessary. “The three numbers we want people to know and control are blood pressure, blood glucose and cholesterol,” Sacco says. “The first step [toward heart health] is identification of where people are in terms of ideal cardiovascular health.” The next step is following your doctor’s orders, be it a lifestyle change or a medication prescription. STEPS YOU CAN TAKE: First, if you haven’t been to the doctor in a while, check the ’tude at the door, and make an appointment for a physical. Then, make sure you ask questions and understand your health risks. Ask about blood test results, your individual risk and any preventive steps you should take. RISKY BEHAVIORS: Blaming poor health on genetics and failing to see the impact of one’s own choices THE SITUATION: “For cardiovascular disease and stroke, genetics is important, but it doesn’t account for the majority of the risk,” Sacco says. STEPS YOU CAN TAKE: Are you guilty of blaming your parents for your bad cholesterol levels? Rather than pointing fingers, take charge. “If your grandfather died in his 50s, you know you need to do something about your heart health,” says Gordon A. Ewy, M.D., who has been recognized as a “CPR Giant” by the American Heart Association for his work in CPR and defibrillation. Even if your family history is working against you, you can take steps to reduce your risk. By getting regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight and eating a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains and lean meats, you can make a difference. THE BLAMER THE MOTHER FIGURE RISKY BEHAVIORS: Not recognizing her own risk and failing to put herself first THE SITUATION: For a lot of women, their own health takes a back seat to jobs, families and other commitments. Whether it’s packing lunches, chauffeuring young children to soccer practice or caring for ailing parents, a woman’s work is never done. But a lot of women don’t realize their own heart risk. The bottom line is that more women than men die of heart disease in the U.S. STEPS YOU CAN TAKE: Recognize your risk. Heart disease is the leading cause of death of American women (and men, too). Women need to make sure they take time for themselves—time to see their physician and to exercise, for example. Get your blood pressure and cholesterol levels checked, and if you have risk factors, address them early. Although you may have responsibilities for your family and your job, you also have a duty to eat right, exercise and take care of yourself. “The greatest asset any of us has is our health, and we take it for granted,” Carmona says. “Each of us should have a goal of pursuing optimal health.” Vim & Vigor · S PRI N G 201 2 13

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Vim & Vigor - Spring 2012 - Parrish Medical Center

Vim & Vigor - Spring 2012 - Parrish Medical Center
Contents
Tasty Tips
Opening Thoughts
Community Calendar
In the Business of Healing People
What's New?
Get Real
How Far We’ve Come
Patient Survival Guide
Perfect Attendance
A New Day
Lean on Me
Intimidated by the Gym?
What Is Your Volunteer Style?
A Prescription for Relief
Community Health
Joe Knows Stress
SPECIAL: Caring for the Littlest Bones and Joints
Foundation Focus
Ask the Expert

Vim & Vigor - Spring 2012 - Parrish Medical Center

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