HEALTHY HEART TIPS
There are many factors that contribute to cardiovascular disease; the things that cause heart attack and stroke. If you work in EMS where you have a high call volume, you are probably a "bottom-feeder." An EMT's idea of fine dining is anything you can find to eat quickly, and if one is lucky...maybe a place to sit and eat. I refer to the foods listed below as "arterial mud," as they contribute significantly to the build-up of plaque and fatty deposits we find in the arteries of those who suffer from cardiovascular disease. If you are not a professional in EMS, please avoid these foods.
PREVENTION: RISK FACTORS WE CAN CONTROL:
1. CIGARETTE SMOKING: IF YOU SMOKE; STOP. Smokers have twice the risk of heart attack and 2 to 4 times the risk to die of sudden cardiac death, than nonsmokers. Even if you have been a heavy smoker for years, quiting will greatly reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease. Smoking related illnessess are the leading cause of premature death in the United States. It takes away over 500,000 people yearly. It took my mother. It can take you too. It is the most powerful addiction known to man. But you CAN quit...you can do it!
2. HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE; High blood pressure (hypertension) causes problems for the heart and vascular system, and can damage any organ system. Hypertension is a silent killer...much like stress. Symptoms are practically nonexistant. Have your blood pressure checked regularly. There are ways to keep your blood pressure within normal limits. Proper diet and exercise will help. Medication may be necessary. Tip: Avoid the blood pressure monitoring machines we see at supermarkets, malls and pharmacies. Research indicates that these machines are not reliable. An EMS volunteer is reliable and will be happy to take your blood pressure. EMT's are your friends!!
3. DECREASE THE USE OF SATURATED FATS: Saturated fat increases cholesterol levels in our bodies. If our cholesterol is high, this saturated fat is left in our arteries and vessels...cardoivascular disease. We find saturated fats in red meats, cream, butter, and whole milk. We cannot eliminate saturated fats from our diet totally, but we can certainly control it dose!!
4. CONTROL YOUR WEIGHT: If you are overweight, try and lose it. Being overweight can cause high blood pressure, increased cholesterol levels, and even a potential for diabetes. Check with your personal doctor and or the American Heart Association for futher information. I'll tell you my personal battle with weight at the end of all of this...
RISK FACTORS WE CANNOT CONTROL: Heredity; If we have a history of cardiovascular disease in our family, this greatly increases our risk for heart attack and stroke. Unfortunately, there is no bargaining with genetics.
MALE GENDER: Men have more heart attacks than women. So go easy on us ladies!! On the other hand, females are more likely to die of a heart attack than a male. Reason?...unknown...and finally...AGE: As we get older, we will begin to fall apart somewhat. It's a fact of the process of life. Our bodies are the temples of God. We should keep our temples as clean as we can to reduce our risk factors for heart attack and stroke.
MY HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE STORY: Three years ago, I tipped the scales at a robust 240 pounds. I needed help to do ten situps. I went to my doctor for a routine physical exam. My blood pressure was in the "Danger Zone." My doctor said I was an "invitation to a stroke." For the following week, I had to take my blood pressure and record it daily. At the end of the week I took my blood pressure record to my doctor. She gave me a pill for it in the exam room and gave me a pescription to go. All medications may manifest "adverse affects" which happened to me. I can put it this way..."my compass broke and was stuck in the southern most position." Oh...ok...I could not achieve an erection, which is necessary to reproduce. This forced me to look at my diet and sedentary lifestyle. I stopped eating red meat. No more steak and eggs. I got into rollerblading and go for walks on a daily basis...no I do not go to the gym and flex. Over a period of about two and one half years, I went from 245 pounds to 175 pounds...my current weight. Result: Compass works great and no more medication. I look great in my tight Levi's. But most importantly...my blood pressure is normal. By making just a few changes, maybe I'll live longer. If I can do it...anybody can!!
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