Living at “GROUND ZERO” for heart disease, diabetes, and stroke

Well, the South is notorious for a lot of things, but most notably in the medical community, we are known as “Ground Zero” for “The Big Three” killers in America: Heart Disease, Diabetes, and Stroke. Due to the fact that this is American Heart Awareness Month, and we live at Ground Zero, I’d like to talk candidly about a few things. 

Risk Factors for Heart Attack and Stroke: 

Inactivity and obesity increase your chances of heart attack or stroke by 73.4% over the course of your life. Other risk factors include high blood pressure (31% risk), cigarette smoking (21% risk), high cholesterol (16% risk), and diabetes (10%). What most people don't’ realize is that 49% of all Americans carry at least one of these risk factor. 

There are other risk factors such as ethnicity and genetics that come into play. The fact of the matter is that factors like ethnicity and genetics only magnify the other risk factors listed above. This is why it’s important for us to test your genetics. Matrix Wellness Solutions is one of 5% of clinics nationwide that even offer this type of testing. The good news is this: if you have private insurance, in most cases, it won’t cost you anything other than your co-pay. 

Here’s A Quick Guide To Decreasing Your Risk 

You can lower your risk of heart disease and heart attack by taking simple steps every day. 

• Eat a healthy diet. 
• Maintain a healthy weight. 
• Be active. Exercise regularly. 
• Be smoke-free. 
• Limit alcohol use. 
• Manage any medical condition you might have. Learn the ABCS of health. Keep them in mind every day and especially when you talk to your health provider: 

Appropriate aspirin therapy for those who need it 

Blood pressure control 

Cholesterol management 

Smoking cessation 

• Add vital nutritional supplements to your diet such as Fish Oil, Ubiquinol, Nitric Oxide, Lecithin, Niacin, Vitamin E, Vitamin D, & Alpha Lipoic Acid. 

As we wind down American Heart Health Month, let’s not make it a once per year reminder. Do something daily to remind yourself of the importance of taking care of your heart. Pick one thing from the list above to do everyday and soon, you’ll be developing healthy habits that stay with your for a lifetime.

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