Heart disease nation’s number one killer; February designated heart health month

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Kasey Zickmund
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  Ellsworth's Health and Wellness Center held a Healthy Heart Class Feb. 12 and is scheduled to hold a Heart Healthy Tasting Party Feb. 26 at 11 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. to inform the base populace about various methods designed to facilitate a healthy lifestyle.

Heart disease is the number one killer of Americans. Diet and lifestyle improvements can help prevent heart disease, according to the American Heart Association Web site, www.americanheart.org.

A healthy heart carries its own unique concern for those in the profession of arms; Ellsworth's health professionals say physiological health is a wartime readiness issue.

"It's important that our Airmen and their families take care of their hearts because without healthy hearts it's hard to accomplish the mission here and downrange," said Amy Kubal, 28th Medical Operations Squadron wellness installation dietitian. "Heart disease is preventable.

The AHA established tips to reduce cardiovascular disease. They include:
· Consume an overall healthy diet.
· Aim for a healthy body weight.
· Aim for recommended levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides.
· Aim for a normal blood pressure.
· Aim for a normal blood sugar level.
· Be physically active.
· Avoid use of and exposure to tobacco products.

There are risks associated with an unhealthy heart, but assistance is also available.

"If your heart is not 'healthy' you are at greater risk of developing heart disease or of having a heart attack," Ms. Kubal said. "Heart disease and heart attacks can happen to anyone at anytime -there are no specific age guidelines, although men over 45 years and women over 55 years old are at greater risk."

HAWC professionals can provide recommendations to keep military personnel and their families' hearts healthy, said Amy Anderson, 28th Medical Operations Squadron health education program manager.

"A helpful tip to keep your heart healthy is to take charge of your health by exercising, eating right and not smoking," Ms. Anderson said.

For more information about heart health call the HAWC at 385-2349 or visit www.americanheart.org . 

Editor's note: The appearance of hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement by Ellsworth AFB, Air Combat Command, the United States Air Force, or the Department of Defense, of the external Web site, or the information, products or services contained therein.