The only Valentine’s Day gift that’s sweeter than candy is promising your loved ones to take ownership of your health. February is American Heart Month. It serves as a reminder that it’s important to protect your heart from heartbreak, but even more from heart disease. If you’ve been neglecting your health, visit a quick care clinic for a checkup and find out how you can start getting your health back on track.
Why You Should Celebrate American Heart Month
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the US
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease accounts for one in four deaths in the United States. This makes heart disease the leading cause of death. Heart disease does not discriminate by race or gender, so it’s important to take control of your health, no matter who you are.
If any of the following factors describe you or your lifestyle, you could be at risk for heart disease:
- High blood pressure and/or cholesterol
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Lack of physical activity
- Over drinking
- Ignoring diet
Heart disease encompasses several disorders
Heart disease refers to a group of diseases that affect the cardiovascular system. The number one killer is coronary artery disease, which is narrowing of the coronary arteries by plaque buildup. Other serious heart diseases include:
- Enlarged heart, created by high blood pressure
- Heart attack, caused by blood clots depriving the heart of oxygen
- Sudden cardiac death, which quickens heart rate and stops delivering blood to the body
- Heart valve disease, diagnosed when a heart valve malfunctions or quits working
This isn’t a complete list of serious heart conditions that American Heart Month aims to educate society about. Sin City locals can visit urgent care clinics in Las Vegas for a yearly checkup to rule out any of these silent killers and to learn more about other conditions.
Participate in American Heart Month activities
Wear a red Heart Disease Awareness ribbon on February 3rd, Heart Awareness Day. There are several local American Heart Month 2017 community activities you can participate in with friends and family. You can also create your own activities to start living a healthier lifestyle.
During American Heart Month and every day of the year after, make an effort to incorporate the following activities into your life:
- Focus on a healthy diet
- Visit a Las Vegas clinic for regular checkups
- Incorporate daily physical activity
- Find ways to manage stress
- Kick your smoking habit
- Moderate drinking
Kick off American Heart Month at Las Vegas Urgent Care
Give your Valentine a gift that keeps on giving: many more happy and healthy years with you. Visit Las Vegas Urgent Care for your yearly check up at our walk-in clinic or make an appointment online using our QuickPass service.
