This information was taken from an article in HealthDay and can be read in its entirety here.
For most of us, February is the final month associated with winter, 28.25 frosty days before we start to see light at the end of the tunnel in March. But for us here at Sherman Heart, February is one of the most important periods of the year because of two words: Heart Month.
Cardiovascular diseases (including stroke) are our nation’s #1 killer. In an effort to raise awareness, we’re starting early this year, hoping to catch those of you thinking of calling it quits on your New Year’s resolution-inspired diet and exercise plans.
Here are the 7 goals for achieving ideal cardiovascular health. Cardiovascular health is graded as poor, intermediate or ideal depending on how an individual scores in the seven areas, dubbed “Life’s Simple 7.”
- Never smoked or quit more than a year ago.
- Body mass index, a measure based on weight and height, less than 25.
- Physical exercise — at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity each week.
- At least four key components of a healthy diet, such as fewer calories, more fruits and vegetables, and oily fish, such as salmon, four times a week.
- Total cholesterol lower than 200.
- Blood pressure below 120/80.
- Fasting blood sugar below 100.
[Sherman Heart]
[American Heart Association]
Image courtesy of Flickr user @nwardez
