HomeUncategorized Valentine’s Day also gives us American Hearth Month

Valentine’s Day also gives us American Hearth Month

Valentine’s Day also gives us American Hearth Month

February 17, 2022

Seriously, it’s just some good marketing! Did you realize that the same month that gives us Valentine’s Day also gives us American Hearth Month? That’s right! February is American Heart Month. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: “The Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention is shining a light on hypertension (high blood pressure), a leading risk factor for heart disease and stroke. The Division is committed to addressing barriers to health equity in communities disproportionately affected by cardiovascular disease.”

The CDC has made a series of recommendations on how you can use National Hearth Month to change course on your heart health:

  • Take charge of your Blood Pressure—a heathier heart can lead to a healthier life. The Surgeon General’s Call to Action provides tools and strategies to control high blood pressure.
  • Regularly monitoring your Blood Pressure, with support from your health care team, can help lower your risk for Heart Disease and stroke. Check your blood pressure at the doctor’s office, at a pharmacy, or even at home! Learn more.
  • High Blood Pressure is often called the silent killer. You might not have symptoms, but it’s a leading risk factor for Heart Disease and stroke. Monitoring your own blood pressure at home can help you keep your blood pressure under control.
  • Many people need to take medicine to help keep their Blood Pressure at healthy levels. Learn more about how these medicines work, their risks, and possible side effects.
  • Taking care of your heart can be as simple as the ABCS. Talk with your health care team about Aspirin, Blood Pressure control, Cholesterol management, and Smoking cessation
  • High Blood Pressure control is within your reach. Use these CDC Heart & Stroke resources to talk to your health care team about how to reach your control goal. You’ve got this!

There Are Even Three Simple Steps That You Can Take Today To Keep Your Heart Healthy!

  1. Think in thirds! Divide up every meal plate into three equal sections: Protein, starch and vegetables. A Harvard Health bulletin tells us, “If you have trouble picturing thirds, then I recommend buying a set of sectional plates for the house. They work for those under the age of 10 as well, should you have picky eaters (also known as children). Now, place a different food group or item in each section. I am friendly with many of my patients, so the smart alecks will sometimes ask: does splitting a burger into thirds count? (It doesn’t.)”
  2. Stop Having SECONDS! Seriously, we’re all guilty of going back for a little more, either because we don’t want to have to save it when we over prepare (You ARE NOT the disposal!) Or if it just tasted really good and you still feel not … quite… completely… full. (Yep, been there…) This is hard sometimes in bigger families where meals can be a bit frenetic, but SLOW DOWN chew more, savor more, pause, breathe, converse. It isn’t a race and when you finish at about the same time as everyone else (or even after) its easier to excuse yourself.
  3. The Three Bite Rule. This one is a challenge from Harvard’s Dr. Ami Bhatt, MD, FACC, and your mileage may vary. ( This one’s tough) She suggest a strict three bite limit on your snacks. ( IKNOW!) She writes, “The first bite is because you want it. Enjoy it. The second bite is an act of defiance. Revel in it. The third bite is the last and should be savored the most. It is the last one because you respect yourself and have a laudable goal that you will achieve.” Its an interesting theory Doc, and well…. We’ll try it. But no promises 😉

Both educating yourself the way the CDC suggests and being prepared for any heart health related issues and reducing your risk the way Dr. Bhatt recommends are great ways to grab National Hearth Month by the horns and really do something great with it. And hey, you’ve always wondered how to make that Valentine’s Day candy last a little longer right?

As a pharmaceutical distributor Apotheca Wholesale Pharmaceuticals wants to make sure that you’re taking care of yourself and your business in spite of the curveballs that 2022is throwing. We’re here and were ready to supply you and your clients with the pharmaceuticals you need to help keep their hearts (and yours) healthy. Happy Valentine’s Day and American Heart Month.

Contact us today at Customerservice@apothecainc.com or call us at 602-252-5244.