As we continue our observance of February as American Heart Month, it’s important to treat your heart well, and to do everything in your power to ensure that it stays healthy in the long run. Here in Sanford and Lee County, it’s worth noting that Central Carolina Hospital — our long-time sponsors of this weekly wellness column — has received Advanced Heart Failure Accreditation from the American College of Cardiology. CCH was awarded the accreditation based on rigorous onsite review of the staff’s ability to evaluate, diagnose and treat patients with heart failure through pre-hospital care, early stabilization, acute care, transitional care, clinical quality measures and more.
Complements of our “nationally recognized, local cardiology specialists,” here are some meaningful tips from Central Carolina Hospital to help you take optimal care of your heart:
- Establish healthy eating habits
- Engage in regular physical activity
- Know your family medical history
- Understand the warning signs and symptoms of heart attacks
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Stay on top of numbers like cholesterol and blood pressure
- Ensure that you’re getting enough sleep and
- Eliminate excess stress
It’s also worth noting the importance of rapid response, any time you suspect the possibility of a heart attack or other heart-related problems. Know the symptoms — out-of-character fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, dizziness, profuse sweating, an unusual sense of anxiety, or sharp pains. At the first hint of any problem, call 9-1-1 immediately. You could save a life, or at very least, minimize the potential impact of a heart attack.
