For over 100 years, heart disease has been the leading cause of death in the United States. In our community, heart disease remains the leading cause of death in Glades County, and Hendry County has a higher death rate compared to the average for the state of Florida.

February is widely known as American Heart Month and is dedicated to raising awareness about heart disease. While we often associate heart disease with adults, the truth is that heart health starts early in life. By making heart-conscious choices at every stage of life, we can reduce our risk and better protect our hearts.

The foundation for a healthy heart starts in childhood. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, obesity affects one out of every five children in the U.S., and obesity is one of the biggest risk factors for heart disease. Furthermore, a recent study found that most children and adolescents have poor overall cardiovascular health, with less than 30 percent of kids ages 2 to 19 meeting the healthy heart standards on the American Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8™ metrics.

Heart health also tends to decline as we age, so learning good habits early can help kids have a healthier future, including:

• Encouraging Physical Activity. Children need at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity almost every day.

• Limiting Screen Time. By reducing TV, tablet, and phone time, you can make time for healthy movement.

• Making Smart Food Choices. Three meals a day are still recommended, even for teens who may want to skip breakfast. Meals should be rich in fruits, veggies, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy. The Mayo Clinic has a great chart that breaks down the ideal daily food intake for both boys and girls by age group.

• Getting Good Sleep. Kids need sleep for their hearts and to support healing, brain function, and overall development. And they need a lot more than adults:

-- Ages 5 and younger: 10 to 16 hours (including naps)

-- Ages 6 – 12: 9 to 12 hours

-- Ages 13 – 18: 8 to 10 hours

• Being a Role Model. Children learn by watching the adults around them. When you make healthy choices, they will be more likely to mimic those behaviors.

Learning to make healthy choices in childhood can do a lot to reduce your risk of heart disease; however, it’s important to know that it is never too late to get started.

Whether you are 25 or 55, there are steps you can take starting today to improve your heart health. While some risk factors – like age, gender, and family history – can’t be changed, small lifestyle changes can have a positive impact, such as:

• Quit Smoking. Smoking damages your heart and blood vessels. The good news is that the benefits of quitting start immediately. And one year after quitting, your heart disease risk can drop by half compared to smokers.

• Get Moving. It’s recommended that adults aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week. This can include everyday activities like gardening, vacuuming your house, walking the dog, or even taking the stairs.

• Choose a Heart-Healthy Diet. Eating lean proteins, whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and limiting your intake of processed foods, salt, and alcohol can help keep your heart healthy.

• Monitor Your Stress. Ongoing stress or high-stress levels can directly impact your blood pressure, which is a risk factor for heart disease. Manage your stress by practicing healthy techniques like relaxation exercises, yoga, or meditation.

• See Your Doctor. Your doctor will perform regular checkups that monitor your blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and other risk factors so you can catch potential concerns early.

When your whole family makes heart health a priority, it can make it easier – and more fun! – to create and stick to healthy habits together. For more ideas, MyPlate from the U.S. Department of Agriculture has tools, tips, resources, and fun activities to help your family make healthy choices.

To learn more about heart disease and ways you can help, check out these resources: · The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute has downloadable fact sheets from self-care tips to simple basics. · The American Heart Association has a helpful guide for knowing the difference between cardiac arrest and a heart attack, as well as a breakdown of good heart health by age. · The WISEWOMEN program (Well-Integrated Screening & Evaluation for WOMen Across the Nation) through the Florida Department of Health increases access to preventative health services to promote optimal cardiovascular health for women. · Hendry County EMS offers CPR, AED, and first aid training. · In Glades County, the Glades Education Foundation initiative, Step Up to STEM, teaches students about heart disease, and the Glades County School District offers a voluntary wellness program to all employees.

About Healthy Humans Hendry-Glades
Healthy Humans Hendry-Glades provides resources and tips to help residents care for their physical, financial, mental, emotional, spiritual and social health. Supported by the Healthier Hendry Glades Task Force, a collaboration of partners that promote healthier lifestyles in Hendry and Glades counties, it provides tools for everyone to become a Healthy Human. For information, visit healthierhendryglades.org