COLORECTAL CANCER PREVENTION

March is the month to be aware of and to prevent colorectal cancer, also known as cancer of the colon or rectum. According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Fortunately, early diagnosis can often lead to a complete cure.

Colorectal cancer affects men and women of all racial and ethnic groups, and is most often found in people aged 50 years or older. It is the 3^rd most common cancer for both men and women in the U.S.

There is no single cause of colorectal cancer. Most cases begin as benign (non-cancerous) polyps, which slowly develop into cancer over time.

Risk factors for colorectal cancer include:

·         Being age 50 or older

·         Having inflammatory bowel disease

·         Personal or family history of colorectal cancer or polyps

·         African American or of Eastern European descent

·         A diet high in red and/or processed meats

·         A sedentary lifestyle

·         A low-fruit and low-vegetable diet

·         A low-fiber and high-fat diet

·         Overweight or obesity

·         Drinking alcohol regularly

·         Tobacco use

·         A genetic syndrome such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (Lynch syndrome)

Symptoms of colorectal cancer include:

·         Blood in or on your stool (bowel movement)

·         Stomach pain, aches, or cramps that don’t go away

·         Losing weight without explanation

Colorectal polyps and cancer often don’t cause symptoms, especially early on. That is why regular screening is so important. Furthermore, these symptoms may be caused by other health issues and not colorectal polyps or cancer. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or risk factors for colorectal cancer, talk to your doctor about your risk and need for screening, as well as a thorough exam.

If everyone aged 50 or older had regular screening tests, as many as 60% of deaths from colorectal cancer could be prevented. Screening is used to find pre-cancerous polyps (abnormal growths) in the colon so they can be removed before they turn into cancer. Screening also helps to find colorectal cancer at an early stage, when treatment is most effective and successful. Screening is recommended to all adults beginning at age 50. Men and women who are experiencing symptoms or who have a family history of colorectal cancer should talk to their doctors about being screened before age 50.

Screening options for colorectal cancer include:

·         Stool test – Upon obtaining a stool sample, tests are run to detect any blood (seen or unseen) that may be present in your stool. This option is recommended once a year unless otherwise specified by your doctor.

·         Flexible sigmoidoscopy* – During this exam, the doctor inserts a short, thin, flexible, lighted tube into the rectum to check for polyps or cancer inside the rectum and lower third of the colon. This option is recommended every 5 years unless otherwise specified by your doctor.

·         Colonoscopy* – This screening test is considered the gold standard of all screening tests for colorectal cancer. It is similar to the flexible sigmoidoscopy, except a longer tube is used to inspect the entire colon, which can be up to 5-6 feet long. During this exam the doctor can find and remove most polyps and some cancers. Colonoscopy is also used as a follow-up test if anything unusual is found during one of the other screening tests. This option is recommended every 10 years unless otherwise specified by your doctor. Reasons for more frequent colonoscopies could be the presence of polyps, family history, or related symptoms.

*Special preparation is required 24 hours prior to these screening tools to cleanse the colon in order for the doctor to accurately inspect the colon. Fortunately, the methods of preparation have evolved over the past several years and now come in many different flavors of liquid, and also include a pill form to ease the process.

Prevention is key!

Living a healthy lifestyle could help to prevent colorectal cancer, as well as many other cancers and health problems. This includes getting regular physical activity, eating a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and fiber and low in fat, limiting alcohol consumption, and avoiding tobacco. Furthermore, discuss your family history and personal health with your doctor at your regular well visit. And remember to be screened for colorectal cancer at age 50 or when recommended by your doctor to help prevent or detect early colorectal cancer. During the rest of the month of March, make it a point to put your health first by talking with your doctor. Also, share this information with friends and loved ones and join the fight again colorectal cancer.

DRINKING RESPONSIBLY

For many people, alcohol is part of how we mark special occasions, share good times with loved ones, celebrate holidays, and enjoy leisure time.  When enjoyed responsibly, drinking alcohol can carry some benefits for physical and mental health.  However, alcohol also carries some health risks.  If you drink alcohol, it is important to understand both the risks and benefits.

HEALTH BENEFITS ASSOCIATED WITH ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION

Light to moderate alcohol consumption carries some possibility of health benefits, especially for the heart.  This is defined as no more than one drink per day for women, two drinks per day for men.  The image below demonstrates what could be counted as one drink. 

While drinking alcohol is not necessary for health and may not benefit everyone, this amount of alcohol might:

·         Reduce your risk of developing heart disease

·         Reduce your risk of dying of a heart attack

·         Possibly reduce your risk of strokes

·         Lower your risk of gallstones

HEALTH RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION

It is important to balance the possible benefits of light-moderate alcohol consumption with the health risks of too much alcohol.  For some individuals, even a light-moderate amount of alcohol could increase risk.  This image demonstrates a few of the health problems that may be associated with drinking alcohol:



Not mentioned above is the risk for those who are diabetic or at risk for diabetes.  Alcohol is immediately converted into sugar.  It will raise blood sugar levels, which can be dangerous for diabetics and can increase the chance of becoming diabetic.  Triglycerides are affected by many factors, but they are most sensitive to changes in alcohol consumption.  If you are trying to lower your triglycerides, consider cutting back on alcohol.  Heavy drinking by young adults has also been linked with osteoporosis and bone fractures later in life, because it pulls calcium away from the bones.

Anyone who is pregnant should discuss the risks of alcohol consumption with their prenatal care provider.  Alcohol use during pregnancy is associated with fetal alcohol syndrome, which can be fatal.  You can learn more at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001909/. 

Alcohol consumption by breastfeeding mothers should also be discussed with an OB/GYN or pediatrician. 

IMPAIRED JUDGEMENT

Alcohol should not be consumed in excess if you will be working, driving, operating machinery, engaging in risky sports (rock climbing, sky diving, etc.) or must be responsible for children.  Alcoholic beverages should not be combined with energy drinks including caffeine and other stimulants (taurine, ginseng, etc).  When combined, individuals cannot properly judge how impaired they are, and are more likely to drink excessively, drive while drunk, and make other dangerous choices.  Blood alcohol levels of those consuming such mixed beverages (ie. vodka and Red Bull) are generally more than twice as high as those drinking alcohol alone.



ALCOHOL DEPENDANCE

If you suspect that you might be drinking too much alcohol, or if you wonder whether your relationship with alcohol is unhealthy, there are two sets of questions you might want to consider.  These are known as the CAGE and the AUDIT.  They can be found on this website. http://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/arh28-2/78-79.htm.  If you answer “yes” to two or more questions on the CAGE, move on to take the AUDIT.  If you would like assistance with quitting or reducing your alcohol use, contact your Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

ALCOHOL AND MOOD

Some people drink alcohol when they are feeling low, in order to “drown their sorrows.”  Others may drink alcohol to relax after a stressful day.  While alcohol can alter mood, it should not be seen as a long-term solution to stress, anxiety or depression.  Alcohol also does not assist with sleep problems.  It may help you to fall asleep, but results in poor quality (less restorative) sleep.  If you are struggling with any of these concerns, your EAP can help.

DRINK RESPONSIBLY

If alcohol will be a part of your leisure time or any special events this season, be sure to drink responsibly.  That means determining safe limits and sticking to them so that you can enjoy alcohol without letting it take control of you.



VITAMIN D!

Vitamin D is very important to our bodies and helps us to maintain normal blood levels of calcium and phosphorous.  It aids in calcium absorption, helping to form and maintain strong bones, which decreases risk for fractures and osteoporosis as we age.  Recent research also suggests that Vitamin D may provide protection from many other physical and mental health conditions.

HOW TO GET IT

Vitamin D is found in some dietary sources, such as fish, eggs, fortified milk, and cod liver oil, but the primary source of vitamin D is sunlight.  When exposed to ultraviolet B (UVB) rays, the D3 form of the vitamin is created in the skin.

SIGNS OF DEFICIENCY

Most people in the US do not meet the recommended levels of Vitamin D, which have been increasing every few years as more research develops.  Less extreme deficiency is often undetected because the symptoms can be confused with other conditions.  These symptoms may include fatigue, body aches and pains, unsteady balance, depressive symptoms or other changes in mood.  Less common is extreme Vitamin D deficiency, which can lead to severe muscle and bone weakness in adults and bone deformity in children.  Without enough Vitamin D, our bodies cannot absorb enough calcium needed to keep bones strong.

Aside from bone and muscle problems, Vitamin D deficiency has also been associated with brain function issues, kidney disease, respiratory concerns, diabetes, some cancers, gastrointestinal problems, autoimmune diseases, hypertension and heart disease.

SUN EXPOSURE

When thinking about sun exposure, it is important to balance Vitamin D concerns with the risks, including skin cancer, sunburn and skin poisoning.  Darker skin pigments offer more protection from skin damage, but are less efficient at synthesizing vitamin D.  Therefore, individuals with dark skin and people who use daily sunscreen are at greater risk for vitamin D deficiency. 

People who spend most of their time indoors or covered with clothing are also at higher risk for deficiency.  This may include infants, housebound elderly or disabled, anyone with a condition or using medication that requires limiting sun exposure, anyone who wears religious coverings, as well as those living north of the line from Baltimore to San Francisco.  Elderly persons, in addition to having less sun exposure, may be less efficient in making Vitamin D through their skin.  People with obesity and some digestive diseases may have trouble absorbing Vitamin D.

UV RAYS

The UV index is a system to tell people the strength of UV rays each day.  We make the most Vitamin D in our skin when the UV index is greater than 3.  During summer months and in warmer climates, enough Vitamin D can be created with 10-15 minutes of sun exposure, twice a week, on the face, hands and arms (without sunscreen).  You can check your local UV index daily at http://www.epa.gov/sunwise/uvindex.html.  BE CAREFUL to avoid exposure on days when the UV index is 6 or above.  Exposure to the sun for extended periods of time is dangerous, so use the UV index to help you avoid unsafe sun exposure.

If your body cannot produce enough vitamin D because of insufficient sunlight exposure, you will need to obtain it from foods and/or supplements.  Experts now suggest that people with risk of vitamin D deficiency should consume 1000 IU of vitamin D each day.  Those who are already deficient may need higher doses to achieve an increase in the bloodstream.  It’s very important to talk to your doctor about your risk for vitamin D deficiency before beginning any supplements. He /she will help you determine what your body requires.  If you have children, their pediatrician may have specific recommendations regarding Vitamin D. 

The threshold for safe vitamin D levels is very high, and the body will not create an unsafe amount from sun exposure.  However, it is important not to take in too much through food or supplements.  This can cause the intestines to absorb too much calcium, which may lead to calcium deposits in the heart and lungs, confusion and disorientation, kidney problems, nausea, vomiting, constipation, poor appetite and muscle weakness.

NUTRITION

In climates where Vitamin D cannot be sufficiently absorbed from sun exposure, the diet is often high in oily fish, which are also good for heart health.  Again, it is important to balance the benefits of vitamin D with the risk of too much mercury (especially pregnant women).  To learn more about which fish are low in mercury, go to: http://www.nrdc.org/health/effects/mercury/guide.asp.  Some foods are fortified with vitamin D, including breakfast cereals, oil spreads (ie. Smart Balance), dairy products*, milk alternatives (soy, almond, rice) and some orange juice.

SUMMARY

If you are concerned about your Vitamin D level, here are 3 ways to increase it:

- safe and adequate sun exposure

- a diet with vitamin D rich or fortified foods

- supplements

Be sure to speak with your doctor before taking steps to address your risk of deficiency.

*All forms of milk contain the same amount of Vitamin D supplementation.  Skim or fat-free milk is the best choice for heart health and contains as much Vitamin D as whole milk, which is sometimes confusingly called “Vitamin D Milk.”

HYPERTENSION PREVENTION

To close out this month of all things heart-related, here are some things you can do to help prevent high blood pressure, also known as hypertension.  Hypertension is a condition that happens when the force of blood against your artery walls is strong enough to eventually cause health problems, such as heart disease.  The more blood your heart pumps and the smaller your arteries, the higher your blood pressure will be.  You can have hypertension for many years without feeling any symptoms, but if left uncontrolled, you are at risk for serious events, such as a heart attack or stroke. 

It is important to have your blood pressure checked on a regular basis by your family doctor or plant nurse in order to ensure that it is normal or properly managed. Even healthy, active adults can experience high blood pressure if they have a family history of it. Ideally, your blood pressure should read at or below 120/80 mmHG. Making small changes in your lifestyle can decrease your risk of hypertension.

TOBACCO.  The nicotine in tobacco products (including smokeless tobacco) raises blood pressure.  Tobacco use can also damage the artery walls over time, which further contributes to hypertension.  If you are ready to quit, speak with your family doctor or plant nurse about the options that are available to help you.  If you aren’t ready to quit, try to reduce your tobacco use until you feel ready to quit.

SODIUM.  The current recommendation is to consume less than 2.4 grams (2,400 mg ) of sodium a day. That equals 6 grams (about 1 teaspoon) of table salt a day. The 6 grams include ALL salt and sodium consumed, including that used in cooking, in packaged foods and at the table.  Sport drinks, such as Gatorade, are high in sodium and are designed for endurance athletes who lose a lot of sodium through hours of intense activity. Too much salt in your diet causes your body to retain water, which in turns increases your blood volume and therefore, your blood pressure. Consider cutting back your sodium intake, even if your blood pressure is normal, as a preventive measure.

BMI.  Body Mass Index (BMI) is the relationship between your height and weight.  Because additional body weight means additional blood volume, any extra weight will increase blood pressure.  Losing even 10 lbs will lower your blood pressure.  You can calculate your BMI at http://www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi/ to determine your healthy weight range.  If you have a lot of muscle mass and not much body fat, BMI is not an accurate assessment of health risk.  In this case, measure your body fat percentage instead.

CAFFEINE.  To prevent hypertension, limit caffeine to 1-2 cups (8 oz each) per day of coffee, black tea and/or caffeinated soda.  A small amount of coffee or tea each day can have health benefits, but if your blood pressure tends to be high, you may need to limit caffeine even more.  Also, try to limit the additives to these beverages (sweeteners and milk/cream).  Chocolate contains some caffeine too.  Dark chocolate (not milk chocolate) can be a part of a heart-healthy diet, but should be limited to one small piece per day (similar to the size of a Hershey’s miniature).

DIET.  The diet that has been shown to most effectively prevent hypertension is called the DASH diet.  It emphasizes fresh fruits and vegetables and includes whole grains, poultry, fish, and nuts, but has reduced amounts of saturated fat, red meats, sweets, and sugared beverages.  You can learn more about it at dashdiet.org.



EXERCISE.  The type of exercise that improves blood pressure is cardiovascular exercise.  That means you have to do something that gets your heart pumping.  When you are doing this type of exercise (brisk walk, jog, jumping jacks, bicycle, etc), you should be able to say a few words without taking a breath, but not a whole sentence.  Be sure to speak with your family doctor before beginning a new exercise program so that he/she can make sure it will be safe for you.  Other types of exercise (strength training, stretching, balancing) are also beneficial for health, but cardiovascular exercise does the most to impact blood pressure.

STRESS.  Unmanaged stress raises the level of certain hormones in your body that constrict blood vessels and increase blood pressure.  In rare cases, this is necessary to prepare your body for running away or fighting.  However, most modern causes of stress are long term and a consistently elevated blood pressure can be dangerous.  Mindfulness activities, such as deep breathing, relaxation, meditation or yoga may be helpful in managing stress.  When taking a yoga class, tell your instructor if you have high blood pressure, as some poses should be avoided.  If you are experiencing a lot of stress, you may want to contact your EAP to get connected with a therapist in your area.

SUPPLEMENTS.  An imbalance in your body’s mineral content could contribute to risk of hypertension.   In some cases, it is beneficial to increase your dietary intake of potassium (avocado, apricots), calcium (dark leafy greens, nonfat dairy), magnesium (oats, sunflower seeds), garlic and fish oil.  While it is fine to increase these foods in your diet, consult with your family doctor before taking them in supplement form.

ALCOHOL.  Over time, heavy drinking can damage your heart. Having more than 2-3 drinks in a sitting can also temporarily raise your blood pressure, as it may cause your body to release hormones that increase your blood flow and heart rate. For healthy adults, occasional alcohol can benefit heart health (1 drink/day for women and 2 drinks/day for men). Talk to your doctor about your healthy limit.

CERTAIN MEDICATION.  Various medications can lead to high blood pressure, such as birth control pills, cold remedies, decongestants, over-the-counter pain relievers and some prescription drugs. Talk to your doctor about your risk for high blood pressure before you begin or end any medication. While certain medications may increase your blood pressure, there are also medications that help to control and manage blood pressure. If your blood pressure remains high after making the lifestyle changes listed above, talk to your doctor about your need for medication.

If you’d like assistance with making lifestyle changes to help reduce your blood pressure, contact your HealthNEXT team for coaching assistance at 443-801-0539 or shaaz@corporatehealthsolutions.com.  We look forward to seeing you all at the upcoming health assessments!



COME ONE, COME ALL!

As you have been learning over the past several weeks, there are many advantages to participating in the Annual Health Assessment offered by SCA each year at your work place. The 2012 events are planned and a few are already underway!

The Health Assessments include having your blood drawn for a complete lipid profile, complete blood count, diabetic screening, and for men over the age of 45, a Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA). The blood draws take place a few weeks before the HealthNEXT team comes onsite to discuss your results with you.  

At the time of your scheduled Health Assessment, you will have your blood pressure and body mass index checked. The next step is to see the doctor, in which you will receive your recent lab results, and then you will meet with a behaviorist. During your visit with the doctor and behaviorist, you will have an opportunity to ask questions, to compare your previous years’ results with your current results, and to discuss any health-related goals or concerns you may have. At that time you will be offered ongoing coaching if you would like assistance and/or support while working towards your goals.

Not only does the Annual Health Assessment provide you an opportunity to receive health/wellness consultation and education while at work, there are many other perks involved! Each employee that participates in both the blood draw and the discussions with the HealthNEXT team is eligible for prizes and awards:

·    A copy of Healthier at Home – a self-care guide presented in an easy-to-read, step-by-step format which covers over 200 health topics

·    Entries into random drawings for super prizes! Prizes are determined locally by each site.

·    Once the Health Assessments are complete across all SCA US locations, a random drawing will be conducted of all participants and two round-trip tickets for two people will be awarded. Tickets will be for travel anywhere in the continental US – one set on United Airlines and the other on Delta Airlines. Tickets are good from June of 2012 through May 2013. 

Furthermore, employees will receive a $200 medical credit for completing the following by December 31, 2012:

1.  Participate in the 2012 Health Assessments – Fasting blood draw, blood pressure, Body Mass Index. If you are traveling during the blood draw, please contact your nurse to make other arrangements.

2.  Meet with the HealthNEXT physician and behaviorist when they are at your location

3.  Complete an annual preventive physical exam with a Primary Care Physician 

4.  Complete one preventive dental exam with your dentist

*The $200 incentive will be credited to eligible employees’ medical premiums as soon as administratively possible in 2013. Employees who waive medical coverage for 2012 are not eligible for the incentive, but are welcome to participate in the Health Assessments.

For further questions about the 2012 Health Assessments, please contact your local nurse or Wellness Committee member. The HealthNEXT team is looking forward to seeing each of you again this year or perhaps for the first time!

Below are the dates for the upcoming Health Assessments:

·    Bowling Green – March 7-8

·    SEC – March 19

·    Neenah Converting – March 20 & 22

·    Menasha – March 21 & 23

·    Cira Centre – March 27 & April 10

·    Barton – April 3-5

·    South Glens Falls – May 1-2

·    Greenwich – May 1 & 3

·    Bellemont – May 15-16

·    Flagstaff – May 16-18

·    Tissue Sales – Complete!

·    Personal Care – Complete!

KNOW THE SIGNS

During this month of all things heart-related, we’ve provided information about how to care for your heart and the hearts of those you love, ideally preventing heart disease or sudden heart complications.  But it is also important to recognize the signs of events like heart attack and stroke, so that you can act swiftly for the best possible outcome.

HEART ATTACK SYMPTOMS

Some heart attacks happen suddenly and obviously, as is often shown in movies.  Most heart attacks, however, begin slowly with a mild discomfort.  Not all heart attacks look the same.  Here are some symptoms you might experience or observe in someone at the onset of a heart attack:

Chest Discomfort.  This is usually in the center of the chest and lasts more than a few minutes.  It might go away and come back.  The discomfort could feel like pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.

Upper Body Discomfort.  Discomfort might occur in places other than the chest, such as one or both arms, back, neck, jaw or stomach.

Shortness of Breath.  This could happen with or without chest discomfort.

Other Signs.  The onset of a heart attack could include cold sweats, nausea or lightheadedness.

CONSIDERATIONS FOR WOMEN

While each of the above symptoms can occur in women or men, women are more likely to have these particular symptoms:

-       Shortness of breath

-       Heartburn, indigestion, nausea or vomiting

-       Back or jaw pain

-       Extreme fatigue

Some symptoms that seem to be a heart problem (palpitations, chills or faintness) could actually be symptoms of perimenopause.  If you are experiencing these, you should speak with your doctor.

WHAT TO DO

If you or someone you are with has chest discomfort or other heart attack symptoms, call 9-1-1 right away. Do not wait more than 5 minutes to call. It is better to call 9-1-1 than to drive to the hospital, because treatment can begin in an ambulance on the way to the hospital and emergency response teams (EMS) are trained to revive a person if his/her heart stops.

If you see heart attack symptoms in someone and can’t reach EMS, drive him/her to the hospital. If you are experiencing heart attack symptoms, do not drive yourself to the hospital unless you have no other choice.

People sometimes wait to respond because they doubt they really are having a heart attack. It is always better to be safe than sorry.

STROKE SYMPTOMS: ACT F.A.S.T.!

In the case of a stroke, every minute counts.  Look for the following symptoms and then call 911 right away.

Face             Ask the person to smile.  Does one side of the face droop?

Arms            Ask him/her to raise both arms and watch to see if one drifts downward.

Speech         Ask the person to repeat a sentence.  Can he/she speak clearly and repeat it correctly?

Time             If you see any of these symptoms, time is important because brain cells are at risk.  Call 911 and get him/her to the hospital for treatment as soon as possible.  

Share this information with your loved ones.  You may want to post it in a visible place in your home so that it becomes familiar.  It could save a life or dramatically improve the long-term outcome of a heart attack or stroke.  If you have concerns about your risk for a heart-related incident, speak with your family doctor or contact the HealthNEXT team.

WHAT IMPACTS YOUR HEART HEALTH?

The month of February is all about the heart! It is the month that celebrates both Valentine’s Day and healthy hearts. February is a time to be conscious of what affects your heart and how you can keep it healthy…for you and for those who love you. Hopefully you will learn helpful tips this month that you can practice all year long to keep your heart healthy and to keep happy all the people you heart.

Heart disease, also known as cardiovascular disease (CVD) coronary heart disease (CHD), is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States, with one in every three deaths from heart disease and stroke. Heart disease is also a leading cause of disability that prevents people from working and enjoying daily activities.

Some conditions and lifestyle factors can put people at a higher risk for developing heart disease:

·         Family history

·         Overweight and obesity

·         Cigarette smoking

·         Diabetes

·         Poor diet

·         Lack of physical activity

·         High blood pressure

·         High cholesterol

·         Excessive alcohol use

·         Stress

Talk to your doctor about your risk factors and determine which ones you can improve to lower your risk for heart disease.

Healthy behaviors to prevent heart disease:

·    Exercise regularly. The Surgeon General recommends that adults should engage in moderate-intensity exercise for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week. This involves increasing your heart rate and keeping it elevated for a period of time. Your pace should be only as fast as you can talk. If you are too out of breath to talk you are not getting enough oxygen and you should slow down to a more comfortable pace. Cardiovascular exercise helps to reduce stress, blood pressure, and cholesterol. Feeling like it’s too cold outside? See our Winter Exercise Ideas!           

·   Eat a heart healthy diet. Make your calories count by eating a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, healthy fish, and low in sodium and trans fat.      

·  Maintain a healthy weight. Avoid temporary diet and/or exercise plans and work towards lifestyle changes that can be maintained for years to come. Include exercise and a healthy diet in your everyday living. 

·   Know your ABCS:

o   Ask your doctor if you should take an Aspirin every day

o   Find out if you have high Blood pressure or Cholesterol, and if you do, get effective treatment

o   If you Smoke, get help to quit

·   Limit alcohol use. Drink in moderation, which is defined as no more than 1 drink per day for women and no more than 2 drinks per day for men. 

·   Manage pre-existing conditions. Take your medication for high cholesterol, blood pressure, or diabetes as your doctor prescribes. Always ask questions if you do not understand something.

·   Manage your stress. Exercise, relaxation techniques, talking with family and friends, and time management are great ways to reduce and manage your stress on a daily basis. 

·   Have a well-visit with your primary care physician on a regular basis and follow his/her recommendations. You and your doctor can work together to minimize risk and prevent heart disease.

Consider taking 7 simple steps to check your heart health this month and to learn the areas in which you need improvement. Stay tuned next week to learn the differences in symptoms of heart attack in men and women. If you need help with changing your diet, managing stress, becoming more active, or making other lifestyle changes, consider free health coaching from your HealthNEXT team! Contact Dr. Haaz at SHaaz@CorporateHealthSolutions.com. 

Additional Resources:

American Heart Association – Factors that affect your heart