This is February, National Heart Month.
If you already have a heart issue, how do you make it seem less overwhelming?
We have to start somewhere and here are some ideas.
1.) See you doctor and ask for a real explanation of the meds you are on, why they are important plus signs of a cardiac emergency. Write these items/questions down for your next visit so you don't forget.
2.) Read on heart health, www.heart.org. Don't wait to just ask others to inform you, go to this site and learn about YOUR disease. It is your heart so you really need to understand. It may take 2 or 3 readings on the subject to begin to understand what you are reading, but GET IT. Too many people just wait for their HCP to tell them what to do, they walk out and forget. OR, they think bad things won't happen to them. Trust me, they do. Stay informed. If a HCP, Health Care Provider, tells you to lose weight, do it. There are so many plans available, most are free, that can help you. If you wait til after the heart attack, it is much harder than pre-problem when the walls of you heart were healthy.
4.) Talk to your health care provider about exercise., the "E" word. If you haven't heard exercise strengthens you heart. You know that, but knowing it and doing it are two different concepts. If you have heart issues, you must check with your HCP re: a plan. We are all willing to help you. We are super motivated by patients asking for help.
5.) Learn about labels on foods. There are so many confusing ingredients on labels, My rule is this, too many words in the ingredient list, don't buy it. Lettuce, fresh fruit, vegetables, have one ingredient, not 14 that you can't pronounce. Ask to see a dietician to help with your journey.
***These are a few tips to help you get started. Remember, you only have one heart, one body.
During the month of February we will devote many article to cardiac function and health.