Health Signs - Spring 2011 - (Page 6)

And the Beat Goes On A 1. Get Informed 6 SPRING 2011 Avoiding a repeat cardiac event is largely up to you. Move toward a healthier lifestyle with these five easy strategies Ash Jain, M.D., cardiologist and medical director of Washington Hospital’s Heart Program. Washington Hospital’s Cardiac Rehabilitation Program helps patients incorporate physical activity safely and effectively. Advancing age, family history, gender—these factors all affect heart disease risk and we cannot control them. But the majority of risk factors for heart disease are well within our power to manage successfully. According to Ash Jain, M.D., cardiologist and medical director of Washington Hospital’s Heart Program, the odds of surviving a heart attack are better today than ever before, and most patients return to a full and active life. “Heart disease is highly manageable, particularly if patients take the necessary steps to manage their risk factors,” says Jain. “Evaluating and adjusting your lifestyle, mainly diet and exercise, is a critical step in prevention. Patients who exercise, for example, need less medication and do better than those who don’t.” Avoiding a another cardiac event is largely up to you and the actions you choose to take. To successfully move toward a healthier lifestyle, Jain suggests these five improvement strategies. skim-milk dairy products and eat less fried food (if you must indulge, use vegetable oil for frying). 3. Stock Your Supplies Everyone who has had a cardiac event will take medications to protect him or her from reoccurrence, and compliance is crucial. Medications may include aspirin, cholesterol-lowering drugs, blood pressure medication and more—a regimen that takes getting used to. Jain urges patients to be active participants in their recovery by asking their doctor to explain what each medication does so they know why they’re taking it, and especially know common side effects. Back to Your Regularly Scheduled Programming Return to a normal lifestyle after a heart attack is all about the effort you put in, and cardiac rehabilitation is a great way to get there. Key elements of most cardiac rehab programs include: • Education about your disease and self-care Nutritional guidance An individualized exercise program under medical supervision, to build confidence and stamina in a safe environment Counseling for the emotional issues, such as fear and depression, many people face after a heart attack Group interaction with people in a similar situation • • 4. Get Moving Regular exercise is essential, and the Cardiac Rehabilitation Program at Washington Hospital helps patients incorporate physical activity safely and effectively. Cardiovascular fitness trains the heart to improve and work at a higher level. And something as simple as a daily walk can increase fitness, according to Jain. But, just remember, if you want to be more ambitious, talk to your doctor first. • • Learning about the disease is the most important component of post-heart attack care, he says. “The more information you have about the disease process, the more successful you will be in preventing another heart attack. Washington Hospital’s Cardiac Rehabilitation Program is an excellent resource, not only for information but also its telemetry-monitored exercise program supervised by rehabilitation professionals.” “The social structure and emotional support you can gain during rehab are considerable,” says Ash Jain, M.D., cardiologist and medical director of Washington Hospital’s Heart Program. 5. Exile Stress Exercise not only improves cardiovascular health; it also helps alleviate stress, which, if left unchecked, can strain the heart muscle. “Stress has a negative impact on your heart because it produces adrenaline, which raises your blood pressure and heart rate,” Jain points out. “Ultimately, everyone experiences stress. It’s how you handle it that matters. Exercise makes a difference, and so can walking away from a stressful situation to take a few deep breaths.” By combining stress management, healthy diet and regular exercise, you can lower your risk for a heart attack and a number of other health conditions. • GAIN THE UPPER HAND AGAINST HEART DISEASE Your best defense against a heart attack is prevention. Washington Hospital’s Heart Program offers valuable resources to help patients return to an active lifestyle after a cardiac event. To learn more about Cardiac Rehabilitation and other heart-health resources at Washington Hospital, visit whhs.com/heart. 2. Forage for Healthy Food Recovery doesn’t happen overnight, and no one expects you to be perfect. That standard is too hard to achieve and maintain for a lifetime. Working with your health care team to implement healthy, sustainable changes is the way to go. Jain suggests a few basic rules to follow: Eat in moderation, limit red meat, eat no more than four eggs a week, stick to http://www.whhs.com/heart

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Health Signs - Spring 2011

Health Signs - Spring 2011
Community Classes, Free Screenings and Health Fairs in Fremont
Good Health is in Your Hands: Watch the Inhealth Channel and Other Videos on Your iPad
Count on Washington Hospital’s ER for Efficient Care When it Matters Most
What You Need to Know if You’re Considering Knee Replacement Surgery
Avoid a Repeat Cardiac Event by Embracing a Healthier Lifestyle

Health Signs - Spring 2011