Healthy heart, healthy life!

As you sit down and think about what those New Year’s resolutions will be, don’t forget to include those things that will make you and your family healthier and safer. Of the over 70,000 calls for service the Colorado Springs Fire Department runs on, 68% are medical in nature with the most frequent type of medical call being patients having heart related problems. With regular blood pressure checks, healthy eating and staying active, your need to call 9-1-1 can be avoided.
 

How well you and your doctor talk to each other is one of the most important parts of getting good health care. Today, a good patient-doctor relationship is a partnership. You and your doctor can work as a team. Ask your doctor or nurse how you can lower your chances for health problems based on your lifestyle and personal and family health histories. Find out what exams, tests, and shots you need and when to get them.  See your doctor or nurse as often as he or she says to do so. See him or her sooner if you feel sick, have pain, notice changes, or have problems with medicine.

Action Steps You Can Take

HEALTH TIP:

Be active for at least 2 ½ hours a week. Include activities that raise your breathing and heart rates and that strengthen your muscles.

Manage Stress

  • Balance work, home, and play. 
  • Get support from family and friends. 
  • Stay positive. 
  • Take time to relax. 
  • Get 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Make sure kids get more, based on their age. 
  • Get help or counseling if needed.
  • Remember to laugh. 
  • Engage in daily physical activity. 
  • Accept the things you cannot change.
  • Give up the bad habits.
  • Slow down.

Eat heart friendly

  • Eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains every day.
  • Choose whole-grain, high fiber breads.
  • Limit foods and drinks high in calories, sugar, salt, fat, and alcohol.
  • Look for meats that are lower in fat.
  • Select more meat substitutes such as lentils or tofu.
  • Eat a balanced diet to help keep a healthy weight.

You can download and print this Heart Health flier for more information.