National Heart Month: Look After It

National Heart Month

February is National Heart Month and not just because of Valentine’s Day. It’s an annual UK and US event which is designed to raise awareness of Heart Disease and educate how to look after your heart. It’s critically important to our health and wellbeing. It pumps blood around our body and this transports oxygen to our cells and organs.

One way to participate and support others is to take part in the National Wear Red Day on 5 February. Organised by the Children’s Heart Surgery Fund, this day focuses on raising awareness of congenial heart defects and problems. As the name suggests you can wear red. But also organise events to raise money for this important charity. Their website has an array of resources and ideas for how to take part.

Being Good to Your Heart

So, how do I look after my heart you might ask? Well as with many things it about a good lifestyle. Specifically, exercise regularly, eat a balanced (varied) diet, monitor your blood pressure and maintain a healthy weight. Also, if you have any concerns then seek the help of a health care professional, such as a GP or Doctor.

High blood pressure normally doesn’t have symptoms until the pressure is quite high. And if left untreated, it increases your risk of stroke and other problems. It is thought that approximately, a third of adults in the UK have high blood pressure. The only way to find out if your blood pressure is high is to have your blood pressure checked on a regularly. If you are worried your doctor’s practice can help or you can buy a home blood pressure monitor.

As David Suzuki (Canadian Scientist) said, “The medical literature tells us that the most effective ways to reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and many more problems are through healthy diet and exercise. Our bodies have evolved to move, yet we now use the energy in oil instead of muscles to do our work”.