February is American Heart Month, so we’re going to close out February by honoring the powerful, fist-sized muscle beating in our chest. Our hearts beat approximately 100,000 times a day, tirelessly pumping life-sustaining blood throughout our bodies. Even though our hearts will pump about 1 million barrels of blood during our lifetime, it’s an organ we often take for granted. Until something goes wrong.
American Heart Month is observed every February, aimed at raising awareness about heart disease and promoting cardiovascular health. It began in 1963 when President Lyndon B. Johnson declared February as a month to focus on heart health. The American Heart Month campaign encourages individuals to recognize the importance of heart disease prevention and emphasizes that making healthy lifestyle choices can greatly impact one’s overall well-being and longevity.
The American Heart Association (AHA) plays a vital role during American Heart Month through various initiatives and programs. They provide resources and tools for individuals to learn heart health tips, including proper diet, exercise, and stress reduction techniques. The AHA organizes events like National Wear Red Day, which encourages people to wear red to raise awareness about heart disease in women.
Understanding and prioritizing heart health is crucial for a long and vibrant life. This article explores the importance of heart health, the risks associated with neglecting it, actionable steps you can take to keep your heart strong, and the importance of having adequate insurance coverage.
Why is Heart Health So Important?
Cardiovascular disease (CVD), which includes conditions like heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and high blood pressure, is a leading cause of death worldwide. Heart disease is responsible for nearly one in five deaths in the United States, and about half of adults have at least one risk factor for heart disease. These statistics are sobering, but they also highlight the critical need for awareness and proactive measures.
A healthy heart is fundamental to overall well-being, which is why it’s the focus of American Heart Month. It’s the engine of our circulatory system, delivering oxygen and nutrients to every cell in our bodies. When the heart is compromised, the entire system suffers. Beyond the immediate risks of life-threatening events like heart attacks and strokes, poor heart health can lead to a cascade of other health problems, including:
- Reduced Quality of Life: Conditions like heart failure can cause fatigue, shortness of breath, and limited mobility, significantly impacting daily life.
- Kidney Problems: Heart disease can damage the blood vessels supplying the kidneys, leading to kidney disease.
- Brain Health Issues: Reduced blood flow to the brain increases the risk of stroke and can contribute to cognitive decline.
- Diabetes: Heart disease and diabetes are closely linked, with each increasing the risk of the other. Diabetes can be linked to higher blood pressure and high cholesterol, putting you t greater risk of heart attack or stroke.
Risk Factors You Can Control:
We can’t control all of the risk factors for heart disease, like family history and genetics. However, there are a lot of ways we can reduce our risk of it developing. :
- Diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein is essential. Limit saturated and trans fats, sodium, and added sugars. The USDA’s MyPlate provides guidance on building a healthy diet.
- Exercise: Regular physical activity strengthens the heart and improves circulation. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise per week.
- Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight reduces the strain on your heart. Talk to your doctor about what a healthy weight range is for you.
- Smoking: Smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease. Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your heart health.
- Stress Management: Chronic stress can contribute to heart problems. Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as exercise, meditation, or spending time with loved ones. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) has resources on stress management.
- Managing Existing Conditions: Effectively managing conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes is crucial for protecting your heart.
Regular checkups with your doctor are vital for monitoring your heart health. These visits allow your doctor to assess your risk factors, check your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and discuss any concerns you may have. Early detection and intervention are key to preventing heart disease and managing existing conditions. So, let American Heart Month be your reminder to talk to your doctor about your risk factors.
American Heart Month and Your Finances: The Role of Insurance
Heart-related events can be costly, both in terms of health and finances. Having appropriate health insurance is crucial for managing the expenses associated with diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care. Unfortunately, the open enrollment period ended on January 15th, so it is too late to make adjustments to your policy during American Heart Month. However, it is never too late to start planning for the next opportunity. Things to consider when planning for insurance coverage and heart health include:
- Types of Coverage: Understand the different types of health insurance plans available (e.g., HMO, PPO, EPO, POS) and choose one that meets your needs and budget. Consider factors like premiums, deductibles, co-pays, and network providers. Healthcare.gov is a good resource for understanding your options.
- Coverage for Cardiac Events: Ensure your policy covers a range of cardiac procedures and treatments, including diagnostic tests (e.g., EKGs, echocardiograms), medications, hospital stays, rehabilitation, and follow-up care.
- Prescription Drug Coverage: Many heart conditions require ongoing medication. Review your plan’s formulary to make sure your necessary medications are covered and understand the associated costs.
- Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Be aware of your potential out-of-pocket expenses, including deductibles, co-pays, and co-insurance. These costs can add up quickly, so it’s important to factor them into your budget.
- Secondary Insurance: If you have a high-deductible plan or anticipate significant medical expenses, consider supplemental insurance (e.g., critical illness insurance) that can help cover costs associated with specific conditions like heart attack or stroke.
Investing in your heart health is an investment in your future. By making healthy lifestyle choices, working closely with your healthcare provider, and ensuring you have adequate insurance coverage, you can significantly reduce your risk of heart disease and enjoy a longer, healthier, and more financially secure life. Don’t wait until it’s too late – start prioritizing your heart health and your financial protection today.
If you have questions about your policy or American Heart Month, you can reach out to our team at Ashland Insurance online or give us a call!
541.482.0831 Ashland
541.857.0679 Medford