March is Healthy Heart Month at Concentra, and we join the American Heart Association (AHA) in promoting heart healthier living.

Why focus on preventing heart disease? Because 71 million Americans already suffer some form of heart disease, with the most common condition being high blood pressure. If untreated, heart disease can lead to heart attack, stroke, and death.

While heredity plays a major risk factor for heart disease in some people, most of us are at risk because of making poor lifestyle choices. So it’s a good time to reduce our risk of heart disease by focusing on heart healthy living:

• Eat a healthy diet low in animal fats, hydrogenated vegetable oil, added sugars, salt, and dietary cholesterol
• Exercise regularly, typically 20-60 minutes per day, 3-5 times per week
• Avoid tobacco products and tobacco smoke
• Limit your alcohol intake: 1 drink/day for women, and 2 drinks/day for men

For more tips on reducing your risk of heart disease, you can visit the American Heart Association or download the Concentra Heart Healthy Lifestyles flyer.