February is American Heart Month. Heart disease remains the number one killer of men and women in the U.S. but many cases are preventable. There are a few simple steps that can be followed to reduce the risk.
The Heart Hospital of Queens at New York Hospital Queens has a few helpful tips for men and women on how to have a healthier heart.
1. Reduce stress. Find time to relax, even if it is only for 15 minutes. Take a bike ride around Flushing Meadows-Corona Park or visit the library and read a book.
2. Eat healthy. Total cholesterol levels of 240 mg/dL or more and LDL cholesterol levels of 160 mg/dL or more signal a high risk for heart disease, stroke and vascular disease. Foods like oatmeal (high in fiber), fish (high in omega-3 fatty acids) and nuts (high in polyunsaturated fatty acids) may help reduce cholesterol. These healthy foods can be found at local markets all over Queens.
3. Lose weight. Being overweight can increase the risk of heart disease. Physical activity like taking a walk around Queens Botanical Garden, for as little as 30 minutes a day, can help reduce risk.
4. Manage blood pressure. Blood pressure readings higher than 140/90 mmHg (millimeters of mercury) increase the risk for heart disease. Talk to a doctor about how to lower blood pressure. To find a doctor, visit www.nyhq.org/find-a-doctor-
5. Quit smoking today. According to the American Heart Association, smoking is the most important preventable cause of premature death in the U.S. Smokers have a higher risk of developing many chronic disorders, which can lead to coronary heart disease, heart attack and stroke. For those who don’t smoke, be sure to avoid exposure to secondhand smoke.
New York Hospital Queens is a member of the NewYork-Presbyterian Healthcare System and is affiliated with Weill Medical College of Cornell University. For more information on New York Hospital Queens, visit www.nyhq.org.
Staff from New York Hospital Queens, the Starlight Children’s Foundation and Splashes of Hope celebrate the unveiling of the murals in the waiting room of the center.
