Happy Heart Month
February UCS Nurse News
American Heart Month
Heart disease is the #1 cause of death for men and women in the United States. Every year, at least 1 in 4 deaths are caused by heart disease.
However, there is good news! Heart disease can often be prevented when people make healthy choices and manage their health conditions. Communities, health professionals, and families can work together to create opportunities for people to make healthier choices.
How can American Heart Month make a difference?
We can use this month to raise awareness about heart disease and how people can prevent it — both at home and in the community.
At home, make healthier substitutions to reduce fat, sodium and sugar.
In the community, spread the word about strategies for preventing heart disease and encourage people to live heart healthy lives.
Prevention is Key!
Risk Factors
High Blood Pressure
Normal: less than 120 / less than 80
(Numbers apply to adults not on medications for hypertension. If your systolic and diastolic pressures are in different categories, you are placed in the higher category. Source: NHLBI
Cholesterol
Total cholesterol level (mg/dl)
LDL cholesterol level (mg/dl)
HDL cholesterol level (mg/dl)
Blood Sugar
A normal fasting (no food for eight hours) blood sugar level is between 70 and 99 mg/dL. A normal blood sugar level two hours after eating is less than 140 mg/dL.
Prediabetes, a fasting blood sugar in the range of 100 to 125, increases the risk for cardiovascular disease by 50 percent. Full-blown diabetes doubles to quadruples the risk and can cause permanent eye, kidney and nerve damage.
Many people with diabetes aim to keep their blood sugar between 70 and 130 before meals. About 2 hours after a meal starts, they aim for less than 180. Your target ranges may be different. If you have Diabetes, talk with your health care team about the best target range for you.
Heart disease in women, specifically, often goes undetected. The fact is: Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women, causing 1 in 3 deaths each year. That’s approximately one woman every minute!
Ladies! Educate yourself to lower your risk of heart disease!
Get Moving!
Union County School Nurses
Email: lhartley@ucschools.org
Website: ucschools.org
Location: Union Co Schools, Blairsville, GA
Phone: (706)745-5450