Women often know a lot about managing the household budget, juggling work and school schedules, and caring for the family. But when it comes to taking care of their own health, many do not know that heart disease is the leading cause of death for American women. They also may not be aware that heart disease accounts for one in every four female deaths and nearly two-thirds of women who die suddenly of heart disease do not experience any previous symptoms.

Once it develops, heart disease is a lifelong condition that will gradually worsen unless changes are made to daily habits. Fortunately, women may be able to prevent heart disease by making healthy lifestyle choices. These include:

• Following a healthy diet that is low in saturated fat and cholesterol, and includes a variety of fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
• Managing high blood pressure and consuming no more than 2,400 mg of sodium a day.
• Lowering total cholesterol to less than 200 mg/dL.
• Getting about 30 minutes of moderate-level physical activity on most, if not all, days of the week.
• Maintaining a healthy weight.
• Not smoking.

Women are invited to a free screening to learn more about why gender, race, lifestyle and age can affect their chances of developing heart disease so they can take steps to improve their heart health. The Women’s Healthy Heart screening hosted by Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake will be held Saturday, February 8 from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. in the West Tower, Rehabilitation Center at 9330 Poppy Drive. The event includes a blood cholesterol check, blood glucose test, blood pressure monitoring, weight evaluation, and personal health assessment with a nurse. The screening is free, but space is limited. Call 866-764-3627 to reserve your seat today.

Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake

9400 Poppy Drive
Dallas, TX 75218

214-324-6100
www.doctorshospitaldallas.com

Save enough pennies and you have a dime. Save enough dimes and you have a dollar. Save enough dollars and, well, get what you have always wanted. It may take some time for the big ticket items, but if you work hard and start saving early, you could achieve your goal. Staying healthy can work the same way. By doing the little things, you could live a longer, healthier life.

Here are a few tips so you can reap the rewards of avoiding chronic illnesses and premature death.

• Start moving. Regular exercise can help prevent and control both high blood pressure and diabetes, and maintain healthy cholesterol levels.

• Eat right. Take extra helpings of fruits, vegetables and whole grains while passing on the deep-fried fast foods, bakery products, and packaged snack items.

• Don’t smoke. Smoking is associated with heart disease, cancer and lung disease.

• Drink responsibly. Moderate drinking of no more than two drinks per day for men or one for women is OK, but don’t overdo it.

• Stay safe. Wear the proper protective gear when participating in sports and fasten your seat belt when riding in or driving a car.

• Learn about your family’s health history. Certain health conditions can be passed on from one generation to the next.

• Get regular checkups. Some diseases and conditions do not cause symptoms, so it is important to get screened before signs appear.

• Check your numbers. Monitoring blood sugar, cholesterol, blood pressure and body mass index can help catch underlying health problems early. 

By making smart lifestyle choices every day, you can fill up your piggy bank and stay healthy well into your golden years. For more information about living healthy, visit the free, online health library on the Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake website at DoctorsHospitalDallas.com/HealthySecrets.

Photo credit: Hemera/Thinkstock

Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake

9400 Poppy Drive
Dallas, TX 75218

214-324-6100
www.doctorshospitaldallas.com