SAINT MARY’S CARDIOLOGY NEWS RELEASE – Saint Mary’s Cardiology, in partnership with the American Heart Association, is helping you get healthy by sharing seven simple tips for heart health. Each tip is designed to get you healthy and help you understand how simple changes can have tremendous benefits to your heart. Make a commitment and start today.
1.     GET ACTIVE – Exercise is a powerful and rewarding gift and nearly 70 percent of Americans do not get the physical activity they need. All you need is 30 minutes a day of moderate activity such as brisk walking to get your heart on the right track. For helpful tips and workout ideas, like Saint Mary’s Center for Health & Fitness on Facebook.
2.     CONTROL CHOLESTEROL – When you manage your cholesterol, you give your arteries the best chance to remain clear of blockages. If your cholesterol is 200 mh/dL or higher, you need to take action.
3.     EAT BETTER – A healthy diet can play a major role in your overall heart health. Eat foods that are low in saturated and trans fat, cholesterol, sodium and sugars and high in whole grain fiber, lean protein and fruits and veggies.
4.     MANAGE BLOOD PRESSURE – High blood pressure is the leading risk factor for heart disease. Lifestyle modifications can help control your blood pressure and make sure you are reducing strain on your heart, arteries and kidneys. Normal is 120/80.
5.     LOSE WEIGHT – You put yourself at high-risk when your BMI is high or you have extra fat around your waist. Being overweight can also lead to other conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol. Start your journey by knowing your caloric intake, managing portion sizes and exercising at least five times a day.
6.     REDUCE BLOOD SUGAR – If your fasting blood sugar is below 100, you are in the healthy range. If not, the results can lead to diabetes or pre-diabetes. To reduce blood sugar, lower consumption of simple sugars found in soda, candy and desserts; get regular physical activity; and take medication or insulin if prescribed for you.
7.     STOP SMOKING – Smoking can have long-term effects on your health and increase your chance of developing heart disease. Years of your life are taken when you smoke, so stop now and live healthy long-term.
The learn more about Saint Mary’s and how we support heart disease awareness, visit www.saintmarysreno.com, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @StMarysReno.
 Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center based in Reno, Nev. is a 380-bed acute care and general medical/surgical hospital providing quality patient care since 1908. Nationally recognized and accredited by the Joint Commission, Saint Mary’s offers a robust line of services including a top-rated Center for Cancer featuring the region’s only CyberKnife radiosurgery delivery system, state-of-the-art William N. Pennington Emergency Room and Senior ER and a Cardiology Program dedicated to long-term wellness. The health system also operates a fully-integrated Medical Group with six primary care offices, four urgent care facilities and two retail clinics and a state-of-the-art Center for Health & Fitness. As a long-standing community partner, Saint Mary’s is dedicated to ensuring the health and wellness of northern Nevada remains strong. For more information, visit www.saintmarysreno.com.
