87th Medical Group provides tips for heart health month Published Feb. 14, 2012 By Rebecca Rhodes 87th Medical Group JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- The Department of Health and Human Services launched the Million Hearts national campaign in September 2011 in an effort to prevent one million heart attacks and strokes in the U.S. over the next five years. "Stroke and heart disease account for two out of three of the most common deaths in our country, but are preventable with lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise," said Lt. Col. (Dr.) Niraj Govil, 87th Medical Group chief of medical staff. The 87th MDG staff recommends protection measures to ensure heart disease and strokes are prevented. People should remember their "ABCS," especially when they talk to their doctors. The ABCS are appropriate aspirin therapy, blood pressure control, cholesterol control and smoking cessation. It is important that patients share their health history with their doctor, get their blood pressure and cholesterol checked and ask a doctor if taking an aspirin every day is right for them. High blood pressure, which affects one in three U.S. adults, is one of the leading causes of heart disease and stroke. Similarly, high cholesterol affects one in three American adults, two-thirds of whom do not have the condition under control. Half of adults with high cholesterol do not get treatment. Lowering blood pressure can be accomplished by eating a healthier diet, getting more exercise and following doctors' instructions about medication usage. "Diet plays a major role in heart health," said Rose Richer, 87th MDG medical management team. Richer recommends a variety of ways to promote heart health to include: eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, checking the labels on food and selecting those with the lowest sodium, limiting foods with high amounts of saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol, and cooking at home whenever possible to control the ingredients are all steps that can be taken for heart health. Additionally, people should try to fit in 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise on most days of the week to decrease the possibility of obesity. People could take three 10-minute walks three times a day, five days a week to fulfill the requirement. The 87th MDG also advises any smokers to quit the habit because smoking largely increases the risk for heart disease. Heart disease kills an estimated 630,000 Americans each year, making it the leading cause of death for both men and women. Visit the HAWC located inside the McGuire Fitness and Sports Center for additional information on lowering the risk for heart disease, or to consult with a medical professional.