With 2019 just around the corner, many people may start pondering a list of New Year’s resolutions. At the top of that list should be leading a heart healthy lifestyle. Heart disease, despite being preventable, is still the leading cause of death, disability and healthcare spending in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), every year about 735,000 Americans have a heart attack and more than 600,000 people will die of heart disease.

The term “heart disease” refers to several types of heart conditions but the most common is coronary artery disease, which can lead to heart attack. Heart disease doesn’t discriminate leaving anyone at risk – including children.

“Almost everyone you meet has a friend or family member that has had their life affected by heart disease. At this time of year, the Ocean County Health Department wants to remind people that you shouldn’t feel defeated if previous resolution attempts didn’t work out. Make this the year you stick to positive habits, smart choices and an overall healthier lifestyle,” says Ocean County Freeholder Director Gerry P. Little, Liaison to the Ocean County Board of Health.

“About half of all Americans have at least one of the three key risk factors for heart disease which are high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking,” explains Daniel E. Regenye, Ocean County Health Department Public Health Officer. “Some risk factors you just can’t control, such as age and family history, but keep in mind you do have the power to lower your risk by changing the things you can control.”

So just what does it mean to live a healthy lifestyle? The Ocean County Health Department recommends the following tips:

• Eating a healthy diet – Eat foods low in saturated fats, trans fat and cholesterol and high in fiber. Limit sugar in your diet.
• Maintaining a healthy weight – Being overweight or obese increases your risk for heart disease.
• Exercise – Physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight and lower blood pressure and cholesterol. The Surgeon General recommends 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, like brisk walking or cycling every week.
• Not smoking or using other forms of tobacco – Cigarette smoking greatly increases your risk for heart disease.
• Limiting alcohol use – Drink moderately, too much alcohol can raise your blood pressure. Men should have no more than 2 drinks a day, women only 1.

Regenye added, “There are many signs and symptoms of a heart attack with the most common being pain or discomfort in the chest that doesn’t go away after a few minutes. Just as important, don’t ignore any pain or discomfort in arms, shoulder, jaw, neck or back. You may experience weakness, nausea, cold sweat, and shortness of breath. Always call 9-1-1 immediately if you know that you or someone you know is having a heart attack.”

For more info about heart disease please visit the American Heart Association website at http://www.americanheart.org, the OCHD website at www.ochd.org or www.phu2.org, to access and learn more about Public Health is You Too! campaign to help equip you to take simple steps to improve your health.