Traits
or behaviors that increase your chances for heart disease and stroke
are called risk factors. The more risk factors you have, the greater
your chance of having a heart attack or stroke.
Unfortunately,
many women of color don't know the risks for heart disease and stroke.
And even those who do know their own risks don't always do all they can
to protect themselves.
What
can you do? Learn your risk factors and learn what you can do about
them. Take a risk assessment... see your physician... evaluate your
lifestyle and habits... and take action. Look in the mirror. You're
face-to-face with the one person who can do the most to protect you
against heart disease and stroke.
Take a risk assessment. >>Go
Say No to Smoking For yourself and your family
Yes, it's easy to say quit smoking and some people really can quit
"cold turkey" They just put the smokes down instantly and forever. It's
not so easy for most other smokers, but it's still possible. You do
have the power to quit!
A great reason to quitour kids! They need us as good role models for
healthy living. Our good habits create a path that's easier for our
children to follow. That means quitting smoking is not just a good
choice for you, but for your kids and even future generations.
Get help to quit. >>Go
Control your Blood Pressure
When your heart pumps, it creates pressure and forces blood
through the arteries. High blood pressure means that there's too much
pressure. Your heart is working too hard and your blood vessels are
under greater strain. The higher the pressure the greater the risk of
damaged artery walls, clogged arteries, heart attack, stroke and kidney
problems.
There's
no cure for high blood pressure. But it can be controlled. If you have
diabetes and high blood pressure, work with your physician to get your
blood pressure below 130/80. Weight control, regular physical activity
and diet help lower blood pressure and manage cholesterol and glycemia
(the presence of glucose in the blood). When you talk to your
healthcare provider, he or she may discuss several options for
treatment including:
Losing weight if you're overweight.
Eating a healthy diet low in saturated fat, cholesterol and salt.
Being more physically active.
Limiting alcohol to no more than one drink per day for women or two drinks a day for men.
Taking medications.
Learn more about how blood pressure medications work. >>Go
Manage Your Cholesterol
African Americans have the same problems with high levels of cholesterol in their blood as
everybody else.
Cholesterol is a fatty substance made in your liver. Your body needs
cholesterol to work normally, and it makes all it needs. Too much
cholesterol in your blood increases the risk of fatty buildups in the
arteries and increases your risk of heart attack and stroke.
Cholesterol doesn't give you any warning signs, so having yours checked
with a simple blood test is very important.
There
are two kinds of cholesterol one "bad" and one "good". You need less
of the bad and more of the good. Have your cholesterol levels measured
by a physician. Depending on your results you may need to make certain
changes to your lifestyle or take medication to get your cholesterol to
a healthy level.
Learn more about heart disease and cholesterol. >>Go
Manage your Weight
Added pounds add risk. That's why obesity is a major health threat for African Americans.
Studies show that 77 percent of African American women who are 20 or
older are overweight or obese. If you have too much fat especially in
your waist area you're at higher risk for heart disease and stroke.
Extra weight also is a major cause of gallstones and it can worsen
degenerative joint disease.
All that excess weight puts a severe strain on your heart, raises your
blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels, and it makes you more
likely to develop diabetes. That's a triple whammy that makes your
overall risk even greater.
If you're overweight, use your power to take control of your health and life.
If you lose as little as 10 to 20 pounds, you
often can reduce your heart disease risk
factors.
Don't let fad diet promises of fast weight loss
tempt you. Weight that falls off fast
almost always comes back on.
Work with a healthcare professional to set up
a sensible eating and physical activity
plan.
More tips on maintaining a healthy weight. >>Go
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