AMERICAN HEART MONTH: LEARN MORE ABOUT YOUR OWN HEART, HEALTH TIPS 

Contact:
Christopher Tittel

Communication Director, DOH-Manatee

(305) 924-6839

Bradenton, Fla. – The Florida Department of Health in Manatee County (DOH-Manatee) encourages everyone to learn more about their own heart health and take advantage of healthy eating and exercise tips to ensure heart health year-round.

“February is American Heart Month,” said DOH-Manatee Health Officer Dr. Jennifer Bencie. “Now is a great time to check in with health care providers on blood pressure and cholesterol levels, signs of heart disease and ways to identify and prevent stroke.”

This year, public health officials are urging Floridians to keep their blood pressure in check by knowing their numbers. Preventing high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, can lower one’s risk for heart disease and stroke.

Nationally, more people die each year from heart disease than from any other cause. Hypertension is a leading risk factor for heart disease, stroke, kidney failure and other health problems. An estimated one in two people in the United States has high blood pressure, while one in four has their blood pressure under control.

Blood pressure can be measured by a health care provider, at a pharmacy or at home using a blood pressure monitor. 

For more information on high blood pressure, visit https://www.cdc.gov/bloodpressure/index.htm.

In addition to hypertension, the risk of heart disease is increased by unhealthy diets, particularly those high in salt, added sugars and low levels of physical activity.

To learn more about healthy eating and exercise to ensure heart health, visit http://www.healthiestweightflorida.com/.

Tobacco use is also one of the main risk factors, contributing to around 10 percent of all deaths.

To learn more about the Quit Your Way program through Tobacco Free Florida, visit http://www.tobaccofreeflorida.com.

Heart disease and hypertension can be prevented and managed by practicing healthy living habits, such as eating healthy, staying active, not smoking, checking cholesterol, limiting alcohol use, controlling blood pressure, managing stress and talking with one’s health care team. More information how to manage blood pressure and prevent heart disease can be found at FloridaHealth.gov.

About the Florida Department of Health

The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @HealthyFla. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.