By: Tamara Whitmire
Looking for ways to love your heart? Need a dose of healthy tips to boost the health of your heart? Look no further because February is healthy heart month. As you know this month brings love of all kinds, including promoting the loving care of your heart. There are many ways to decide on what works best for you and your personal health habits. Some students find it difficult to set aside hours of time-consuming routines into their schedule. According to the American Heart Association there’s always room for quick healthy heart habits that enhance the long-term benefits of our hearts. Here are some facts, health promoting suggestions, and a few signs & symptoms to focus on in case of a medical emergency medical:
Facts:
-Coronary heart disease is estimated to affect 13,200,000 people in the United States (American Heart Association, 2019).
-Approximately 7 million suffer from coronary heart disease, which is more common amongst African American and Latino communities (American Heart Association, 2019).
What you should do if you would like to prevent an unhealthy heart and provide loving care to your heart:
*Eating smart- No need to be a professional chef, just start adding more of a variety of colorful vegetables and fruits to your diet. Remember to include all forms (fresh, frozen, canned, or dried) (AHA, 2018).
*Move more-Throughout your day find small increments of time to stretch after sitting or in between study sessions, choosing to take the stairs instead of the elevator or even walking which helps to strengthen your heart (AHA, 2018).
*Stress Management-Everyone deals with a certain level of stress (the silent killer), but managing your stress is key. Try listening to music, spending time outdoors, or meditating to help improve and relieve stress to lower the risk of having an unhealthy heart (AHA, 2018).
In case of an emergency where you feel you may be having a heart attack always call 911, to receive the quickest emergency help possible.
Signs and symptoms to look out for:
*Most heart attacks start slowly with mild chest pain or discomfort, and tightness of chest that may travel to your arm, neck, or abdomen.
*Sometimes it may seem to be hard to catch your breath.
*Cold sweating and lightheadedness may occur.
In any of these instances do not hesitate to seek emergency help immediately by calling 911. 911 is the fastest way to receive life-saving treatment versus arriving at the hospital by car (American Heart Association, 2019).
So, remember it is extremely important to provide love and take the best care of yourself and the health of your heart. If you take loving care of your heart now it will take care of you with a healthy lifelong benefit. It makes a world of a difference when we find the time to love our healthy heart. For more information please feel free to visit the Americanheartassociation.org or email NSO @pccc.edu
On behalf of the Nursing Students Organization Club
Sincerely,
-Tamara Whitmire
NSO President
NSO@pccc.edu