Take this short quiz from Dr. Besser to test your heart health knowledge
1. Being overweight puts you at risk for heart disease. If you now drink one 20 oz. sugary soda every day, and you switch to water instead, in just one year you could lose:
a. Energy
b. 5 pounds
c. 25 pounds
Answer: C – every two weeks you’re taking in the equivalent of one pound
2. The heart is a muscle, and muscles need to exercise to work well. How much exercise do you need to have a better heart health?
a. An hour a day, every day
b. 15 minutes a day
c. One hour a week
Answer: B – this is a great way to get started with fitness!
3. A man is sitting at his desk smoking a cigarette and eating french fries for lunch. What is the most dangerous thing the man is doing, in terms of heart health?
a. Sitting
b. Smoking
c. Eating fries
Answer: B – although all answers have their negative effects
4. Everyone should take this to reduce heart disease:
a. Daily multivitamin
b. Daily low-dose aspirin
c. Both
d. Neither
Answer: D – some may need one or the other but not both, check with your doctor
So how did you do? If you got them all right that’s wonderful and if you missed some, that’s ok too because there is never a better time to make yourself aware than right now…and to make sure that you are practicing what you know!
First thing’s first when it comes to your heart, What’s Normal?!
Blood Pressure
healthy = 120/80 mm Hg
Beats Per Minute (BPM)
healthy at rest = 60-80 BPM
healthy, active 60 year old = 80-136 BPM healthy, active 40 year old = 90-153 BPM healthy, active 20 year old = 100-170 BPM
Body Mass Index (BMI)
healthy = between 18.5 and 24.9
*If you would like to have any of the above shown measured for yourself, please get in contact with me*
Cholesterol
healthy = under 200 mg/dL
Triglycerides
healthy = 150 mg/dL
Blood Glucose
healthy (non diabetic) = between 70 and 100 mg/dL
healthy (diabetic) = between 70 and 130 mg/dL
Now that you know the numbers, schedule a visit with your doctor if you haven’t already and find out how healthy you are.
How to take the First Steps (literally) Towards a Healthier Heart.
Eat Well
choose the right foods and use portion control
Maintain A Healthy Weight
balance your food intake with your physical activity
Get 30 Minutes Of Activity Most Days
Even if it is in ten minute bouts throughout the day
Follow A Treatment Plan
For blood pressure, diabetes or high cholesterol
February 7th is National Wear Red Day
to raise awareness in the fight against heart disease
Check out the American Heart Association’s website at www.heart.org to find out more information or how to get involved in bringing awareness to your community!