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Healthy heart, healthy life
The importance of doing something
healthy for your heart is highlighted by the fact that 90% of adult Australians
have at least one risk factor for heart disease. Risk factors include a
family history of heart disease, and the risk also increases as you age. Gender
is important because being male is also a risk factor.
As a nation, we tend to take our
hearts for granted but the sobering facts are that cardiovascular disease is
the cause of 34% of deaths in Australia, followed by all cancers on 29%.
This year, National Wear Red Day
is taking place on the 14th February 2018. Heart Research Australia is inviting
Australians to wear something red on this day for a gold coin donation to help
raise funds for Heart Research Australia’s research into the prevention,
diagnosis and treatment of heart disease. Further information is available
at www.heartresearch.com.au/wrd/.
Information on heart disease and
living with heart disease is also available at Heart Research Australia’s
website (www.heartresearch.com.au). The site
also provides four simple steps that we can undertake to make some inroads into
improving the health of our hearts.
The first step is to keep moving
at any age and at any level of fitness. Exercise has many benefits beyond
fitness and flexibility. Exercise stimulates the body’s immune system, reduces
the blood’s ability to clot easily, improves brain function and lowers blood
pressure.
Exercise can even prevent some
forms of cancer. Research in older patients with age-related muscle wasting
(also called sarcopenia) has shown that strength training was found to prevent
disability, slow down dementia and reduce the risk of accidental falls. In
later life independence and good health are closely related to physical
fitness.
The second step is to look at
what we eat and to ensure we eat wisely. Good nutrition extends beyond
controlling our intake of cholesterol, calories and chocolate. There is also
great benefit in understanding the important effects of trans fats (bad for
you), and polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats (good for you). Or how the body
metabolises different carbohydrates (sugars) and the impact this has on weight,
diabetes and body fat deposits.
Research consistently shows that
the right balance between food intake and exercise is vital for optimum weight,
fitness and health.
The third step suggested is to
keep track of our health measurements. This includes cholesterol levels, blood
pressure, weight, sugar levels, waist circumference and exercise capacity. For
years health professionals have understood the value of monitoring blood pressure,
cholesterol levels, sugar levels and body weight. To this we can now
add the importance of measuring heart pump function (ejection fraction),
exercise capacity (6 minute walk test), waist circumference, and kidney
function, among many others. A close relationship between the family doctor,
pharmacist and consumer will optimise the way good health is measured and
monitored.
Finally, the fourth step is our
mental approach and staying optimistic. Studies show our state of mind can
protect, as well as damage, heart health. Important risk factors that may lead
to heart disease include stress, anger and depression and these can be as
damaging as high cholesterol levels in causing heart disease. Conversely, a
positive state of mind, a supportive community, and personal happiness may help
reduce the risk of cardiovascular problems.
Davey Street Discount Pharmacy is
your health destination and can provide a range of products, medicines,
services and advice to support heart health. These include:
§ prescription medicine and
medicine advice
§ health advice such as managing
your weight
§ blood pressure monitoring
§ services to help you lose weight
and quit smoking.
§ Visit your local pharmacy today
and find out what they have available.
For more information come in a
chat to one of our friendly Pharmacists Richard or Sam
and pickup your FREE Self Care Fact Cards on topics such as High
blood pressure as well as lifestyle topics such as Staying a
non-smoker.