Heart disease continues to be a leading cause of death in the U.S. But there is hope. And that hope is the Heart & Vascular Hospital at HackensackUMC. We go beyond traditional thinking and push medicine further than ever before so your heart can beat healthier than ever before. It’s a place where we prove every day that “impossible” is just an opinion and deliver cardiac care that’s a beat beyond all other hospitals.
Phil Simms’ Game Plan for a Healthy Heart
1. KNOW YOUR CARDIAC RISK FACTORS INCLUDING YOUR “NUMBERS”
Learn about any family history that may increase your risk. Then get tested to learn your “numbers” regarding good and bad cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar.
2. FIND AN INFORMED PHYSICIAN TO WORK WITH YOU IN PREVENTIVE MEASURES
Preventive medicine is the simplest, most cost effective way to maintain a healthy heart. Make a plan with an informed physician. If you don’t have one, the Heart & Vascular Hospital at HackensackUMC can help.
3. CONTROL YOUR CHOLESTEROL
If lifestyle changes aren’t enough, talk with a physician about medications that will keep your cholesterol at safe levels.
4. EAT MINDFULLY WITH GOOD BALANCED NUTRITION
Establish a healthy eating plan that includes the healthiest foods within the nutritional groups.
5. QUIT SMOKING
It’s no secret that smoking is very bad for your heart. Just don’t do it.
6. MAINTAIN APPROPRIATE WEIGHT
Carrying excess weight wreaks havoc on a healthy heart. Find out your optimum weight and strive to maintain it.
7. PERFORM CONSISTENT PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
Regular exercise is one of the best things you can do to establish and maintain heart health. You can start small, like a 10-minute walk. But start today.
8. MANAGE YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE
Stress, diet, weight, exercise, medication—all have an effect on your blood pressure. Consult with a physician and establish a custom plan for your lifestyle.
9. CONTROL YOUR BLOOD SUGAR
Blood sugar that is out of healthy balance will damage your heart. Developing a diet and exercise plan is a good start toward correction. When that’s not enough, speak with a physician about medications that can help.
10. MANAGE STRESS BY USING MIND-BODY TECHNIQUES
Simple techniques like slow, deep breathing can have excellent effects on reducing stress. Search them out, experiment and see which ones work best for you.
To find out how you can contribute to A BEAT BEYOND, the campaign for the Heart & Vascular Hospital at HackensackUMC, please call 551-996-3720.