You have one, I have one, everyone has one. But, do we all care for them the same way? Are we going to our doctors for checkups and to be sure that our hearts are pumping and functioning the way they are supposed to?
In 1964 President Lyndon B. Johnson made official the first American heart month which brought awareness to cardiovascular health issues such as heart disease. January is a time of resolutions that seem to fade away toward the end of the month welcoming in February with a lazy step. But health is a matter to be considered throughout the entire year, but often overlooked and made up for in the first few weeks of the new year.
According to the American Heart association, heart attacks once characterized as a part of an “old man’s disease” are now becoming more common in younger people. Though some may argue that heart attacks can be brought on somewhat randomly and in some instances this may very well be true, it’s no excuse to not take care of one’s health. One of the biggest responsibilities of avoiding health issues is remaining aware of your health over the years and the habits that make up each day as they have great cost on a person’s health when looking at life long term. The same research suggests that heart attacks are becoming more common in young females.
Research by the Cleveland Clinic show that while less Americans are suffering from heart attacks, many of the cases are of younger individuals. With a rise of childhood obesity, came a rise in these once extremely rare cases. Much of the research leads back to lifestyle as a cause for these issues. In 2019, there was a rise in reports of young people “vaping” and inhaling chemicals from devices for smoking that didn’t exist for previous generations. Similarly to how generations before saw no harm to smoking cigarettes until it was later discovered to have many negative health effects, the current generation is shaped by the habits they form by the new devices that emerge and the people who take part in purchasing and consuming such products.
In 2019,there was an increase in reports of young people in the hospital due to using vaping products. While many were concerned by the reports and even claiming many to be false, there is evidence to support that vaping isn’t healthy. Beyond the arguments that arise in discussion of health and wellness, a good measure to take is to always do the research and take care of yourself.
Though it may seem in February to be harder to find the motivation that springs out of us in early January, it’s just as important to take an interest in your best interest: your health, all year long. Sedentary lifestyle is a leading cause of many health problems such as type 2 diabetes, and heart conditions. In the state of California, over 1.5 million people suffer from coronary heart disease, with a total of over 17 million across the United States.
According to the American Heart Association it recommends the following for a healthy heart:
Recommendations for Adults
- Get at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes per week of vigorous aerobic activity, or a combination of both, preferably spread throughout the week.
- Add moderate- to high-intensity muscle-strengthening activity (such as resistance or weights) on at least 2 days per week.
- Spend less time sitting. Even light-intensity activity can offset some of the risks of being sedentary.
- Gain even more benefits by being active at least 300 minutes (5 hours) per week.
- Increase amount and intensity gradually over time.
Recommendations for Kids
- Children 3-5 years old should be physically active and have plenty of opportunities to move throughout the day.
- Kids 6-17 years old should get at least 60 minutes per day of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity, mostly aerobic.
- Include vigorous-intensity activity on at least 3 days per week.
- Include muscle- and bone-strengthening (weight-bearing) activities on at least 3 days per week.
- Increase amount and intensity gradually over time.
Health issues occurring from within aren’t always visible from the outside and many people have unidentified health problems in their arteries unbeknownst to them. In result they end up suffering from heart attacks and various other health complications. Take some time to reflect on the choices we make that shape the way we live. Are you doing everything you can to make sure your heart is healthy and thriving?