When I was in elementary school, like most of my friends, I thought the ages of 20-25 were so cool, 30 was so sophisticated, 40 was old and anyone over the age of 50 was a grandma or grandpa. It’s funny how in the mind of a 7 or 8 year old, the previously listed ages seem life times away from happening. Well, I am now quickly approaching the big 3-0 and although I MIGHT be slightly cooler and more sophisticated (hehe), those days of skipping rope, slumber parties and sing-a-longs with my girl friends have fast-forwarded with the blink of an eye.

I am a grown-up now and have been for a while! The “real world” can be scary some times (okay, MOST times!) It seems as though my life is consumed by work, bills, family, keeping house (not playing house), yadda, yadda, yadda. I get it, most of you are thinking that I am SO young and that I am crazy for thinking that approaching 30 is “getting old”. However, I am getting to that age bracket where I need to start thinking about my health (oh yippie, another thing to add to my ever consuming list!) and how I can start preventing some major health issues!

Here is a startling fact. Did you know 630,000 Americans are killed each year from Heart Disease?? It is the leading cause of death in this country for both men and women.

You are at higher risk of Heart Disease if you:

*are a woman 55 years and older
*are a man 45 years and older
*have a family history of early Heart Disease

In the U.S., the most common type of heart disease is Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), which can lead to a heart attack. You can greatly reduce your risk of CAD through lifestyle changes, and in some cases, medication. Controlling and preventing risk factors play a key role, even to those who already have heart disease.

*Watch your weight
*quit smoking
*control your cholesterol and blood pressure
*drink only in moderation
*get active
*eat healthy
*talk to your doctor about taking aspirin daily if you are a man 45 and older or a woman 55 and older
*manage stress

All month long, Western Health Home Care will be posting blogs about all things Cardiovascular and how San Diego can TAKE HOLD OF OUR HEALTH through out the month of February! If you can’t wait until the next blog to learn more about American Heart Month, visit The American Heart Association and learn about National Wear Red Day on Friday, February 3rd!!!