Take Action If You Have Family Heart Issues
By Sandy Schroeder
Wherever you are in the age spectrum, if there are heart issues in your family you need to know how to deal with them. Some people simply become resigned to heart issues showing up, but doctors tell us taking a proactive approach can make a big difference.
Your genetic blueprint may raise a few flags, but you can influence the outcome with some simple steps. Start with these basics to give yourself some heart insurance.
Exercise every day - Make sure you get 30 minutes and include a cardio routine that exercises the heart. Hike, bike, walk, run, or do a gym workout or yoga class. Whatever works for you will help your heart.
Stop smoking - Do whatever you have to do to stop smoking to improve your chances of avoiding heart attack and stroke. Smoking narrows the arteries and increases your risk for heart trouble.
Eat healthy - Choose nuts, seeds, beans, greens, fruits, veggies and grains along with healthy oils, fresh fish, poultry and a moderate amount of lean meat.
Maintain a healthy weight - If you are lean, keep it that way. If you are 10 pounds or more overweight, start working on the problem to lower your risk of heart disease.
Then take the next step and get serious as you talk with your doctor and do some research that could make a real difference.
Pinpoint your family's history - Find out what your family's heart events and risk factors were and check any available records.
Check out your numbers - Talk with your doctor to evaluate your own risk factors in cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar, and weight. You can also ask your doctor about lipoprotein A, which is another risk test for anyone over 30. You may want to consider calcium scanning, or advanced lipid testing too.
Get control of your risks - Sometimes all it takes is a change or two in diet. Or it may mean starting medications prescribed by your doctor or a cardiologist. Whatever you do, don't ignore the issues. Pin them down with the best available solutions.
Wherever you are with heart risks, taking steps to fight back really can make a difference. My mother's family all have heart issues, but she lived a long life with a very active retirement by following the doctor's advice, eating healthy, and exercising every day. My dad followed her lead and also lived a long healthy life. I am doing my best to follow their lead.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Lakewood, Calif.