May 04, 2023
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The first week of May is Heart Week, a campaign run by the Heart Foundation to raise awareness of Heart Disease in Australia. Did you that every 30 minutes, one Australian loses their life to heart disease? It takes less than 30 minutes to get a heart check and in Surry Hills, we can all play our part during heart week to improve our health and the health of our loved ones. Here are some suggestions:
- Start Exercising Regularly (if not already doing so): Physical activity is essential for a healthy heart. Try to incorporate at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise into your daily routine, such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming.
- Remember the importance of a heart-healthy diet: Most of us lived a busy work life and it can be difficult to eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats to keep your heart healthy. However, it is important to try to limit your intake of saturated and trans fats, sodium, and added sugars by avoiding processed food (food in a packet). Avoid fried foods and food high in animal fat.
- Get a weight check: Being overweight may increase your risk of heart disease by placing additional stress on the cardiovascular system. Our Surry Hills Doctors and allied health team are happy to have a conversation about maintaining a healthy weight and preventative health strategies to maintain a balanced lifestyle.
- If you smoke, Quit smoking: Smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease. Our Surry Hills Doctors and GPs can help with smoking cessation and provide medications if required.
- Manage stress: Chronic stress can increase your risk of heart disease. Practice stress-reducing techniques such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing.
- Ensure you get enough sleep: Sleep is important for overall health, including heart health. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night.
- Get a Heart Check with one of our Surry Hills Doctors or GPs: A Heart Check-up usually includes a heart disease risk assessment, a review of your family history, blood pressure check, height and weight measurement, risk factor screen, cholesterol and diabetes screen and review of other lifestyle factors that may increase your risk of heart disease.
- Other check-ups include EST (Exercise Stress Tests), ECGs, CT coronary calcium scoring and CT coronary angiograms. Book an appointment with our Surry Hills GPs to discuss whether these investigations may be appropriate for you.
By making these lifestyle changes and taking care of your heart health, you can improve your overall health and reduce your risk of heart disease during Heart Week.
