Prevention is key to a healthy heart

February was American Heart Month, and many Navy medical centers’ staff recognized the observance to raise awareness that a healthy heart links to a healthy life.

“Every day is heart health,” said Cmdr. William Bennett, Naval Medical Center San Diego Cardiology Department head. “If we don’t take care of ourselves, we can develop heart disease.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, chronic diseases and conditions such as heart disease, in addition to cancer, stroke, Type 2 diabetes, obesity, and arthritis, are among the most common, costly, and preventable of all health problems.

“Prevention is the name of the game,” said Bennett. He then noted that early prevention is the key to a better heart and the way to fight disease to maintain a healthy diet and an active lifestyle.

One of the earliest steps to heart disease prevention begins at home. Bennett advises parents to model healthier behaviors to children such as eating nutritious foods and controlling food portion, in addition to regular exercise.

“Kids with unhealthy lifestyles, when they start bad habits, they are harder to break,” Bennett said.

HM1 Dhana McKinney said that during her time in the Navy she has seen patients with various heart conditions. McKinney said that common heart health issues have to do with diet and exercise.

“That’s where I see a lot of problems,” said McKinney, as she references heart disease statistics that she has seen during hospital training sessions.

“When you eat foods with high cholesterol content, they end up clogging your arteries; and if you don’t work out your heart, you won’t get used to heart rate increase.”

According to the Heart Foundation, heart disease is the number one cause of death for both men and women in the United States; it is an equal opportunity killer, which claims approximately one million lives annually.

Bennett said that committing oneself to a healthier lifestyle in order to combat heart disease is not an easy choice, but it is a lifesaving choice.

“I think it’s important to bring in front of the consciousness the need to promote heart health, said Bennett. “Maybe it’s better to rededicate your efforts and try a little harder.” Bennett encourages patients to take advantage of some of the heart health experts at various medical centers and clinics, such as the Wellness Department at Naval Health Clinic Corpus Christi. At Wellness, patients can meet with experts who can help design a healthier diet and better lifestyle choices.

NHCCC

Health Promotions/ Wellness Clinic

Preventing Heart Disease

Basic Nutrition Cholesterol Control Ship Shape Course Stress Management

Awareness

High Blood Pressure Prevention and control Tobacco Cessation Course Worksite Wellness

Program

Hours of operation: Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.

Located on 1st deck next to Pharmacy waiting area

Call 961-3914 for more information about various programs offered at the clinic.