February is the month that we celebrate LOVE with chocolates, candlelit dinners, and bouquets of roses, but before those candies melt, or the flowers fade, it’s essential to think about our beating hearts, because February is also Heart Health Awareness Month, and what better time to get serious about prevention.
Did you know that after the age of twenty, our vascular systems begin to accumulate plaque? Tiny plaque deposits can embed themselves into our delicate vascular structure throughout our entire bodies. Over time the sticky plaque can mount up and cause hardening of the arteries, block oxygen-rich blood from reaching our hearts, or cause clots to form and break off.
If we fail to put our health at the forefront, we will very likely be in danger of issues such as a stroke, heart disease, or sudden cardiac arrest. If you have high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, or a family history of vascular disorders, you are at an even higher risk level. If you smoke, drink too much alcohol, are sedentary, or regularly eat “junk food,” then your risk factors are ultimately elevated.
What can you do? Notably, you should schedule an exam with your physician to check your vitals and run the appropriate lab tests. You may need to have other types of testing if your report shows signs of any issues.
Small lifestyle changes can make the most significant impact on your overall health, and since it’s February and we’re valuing our hearts along with our Valentine, this acronym might be just the thing to get you started on taking the appropriate steps towards a healthier heart.
L-Live a healthier you O-Overcome bad habits V-Value your vascular system
E-Exercise is essential
L-Live a healthier you:
Start to incorporate healthier foods like vegetables, fruit, and fish into your diet; avoid excess saturated fats and processed foods. Take the time to decompress and relieve any stress that you may have from your daily life.
O-Overcome bad habits:
Stop smoking! Smoking is one of the most damaging habits that contribute to the production of plaque along with many other debilitating issues. If you drink, do so in moderation. Excessive drinking leads to a breakdown of the vascular system and can lead to stroke.
V-Value your vascular system:
Make an appointment with your physician to have the proper testing done and adhere to your doctor’s advice, whether it’s a diet and exercise program alone, or one that’s coupled with the necessary prescription medication to get your cholesterol down or your blood pressure under control.
E-Exercise is essential:
Exercise is extremely beneficial for our heart health. Even simply taking a quick paced walk is helpful for improving our cardiac condition, by supplying our blood with the oxygen it needs. Exercise can also help to lower cholesterol and blood pressure, reduce anxiety, and the added advantage is that it can help you lose a few pounds as well.
• Exercise multiple times per week
• Eat a healthy diet
• Cut down on stress levels
• Avoid excessive alcohol consumption
• Stop smoking
• Get professional help for cutting out narcotics and other drugs
• Practice relaxation methods
• Get physical examinations and regular checkups recommendations
There are specific test and screenings that your physician can provide to decipher how healthy your heart is and what the next steps should be. These include blood tests, stress tests, EKG’s, Holter monitors, vascular ultrasounds (dopplers), and scans. We also offer Rapid Antigen and Antibody COVID-19 testing.
Contact Well-Being Medical Center of Naples today at (239) 315-7801.
Dr. Ricardo Martinez
Dr. Ricardo Martinez is an internist in Naples, FL and is affiliated with NCH Baker Hospital. He received his medical degree from Superior Institute of Medical Sciences of Santiago de Cuba and has been in practice 20 years. He also speaks multiple languages, including Spanish. He specializes in hospital medicine, ambulatory care and is experienced in hospice and palliative medicine, bariatric medicine, diabetes mellitus, food allergy, and infectious disease. As of March 16th, 2020, Dr. Martinez has founded Well-Being Medical center in Naples Florida. He is looking forward to providing Medical care within primary care settings and urgent care service throughout the Naples Florida area.
Well-Being Medical Center of Naples
239-315-7801
www.well-beingmedicalcenter.org
851 5th Ave. N. Suite 102, Naples, FL 34102