AFC Doctors Express Offers Advice for American Heart Month

WEST SPRINGFIELD — AFC Doctors Express is raising awareness about heart health during February, American Heart Month, sponsored by the American Heart Assoc. Every year, one in four deaths are caused by heart disease. Although this is a startling fact, heart disease can be prevented by making a few proactive lifestyle changes.

Both men and women should consider the following lifestyle adjustments to increase heart health:

• Schedule a visit with your doctor. It is important to schedule a regular checkup with your doctor and set goals for your health.

• Put down the salt shaker. Try a low-sodium dinner at home during the week with spices and herbs instead of using salt. Cooking at home during the week, instead of eating out, can contribute to a healthier heart.

• Make exercise a daily habit. While everyone does not have time to fit an exercise routine into busy schedules, adding just 15 minutes of walking three to five times a week can improve your heart health and your overall well-being.

• Make an effort to quit smoking. By quitting smoking, you can immediately impact your heart health in a positive way and prevent heart disease and stroke. Set small goals for yourself and talk to your doctor about different ways to kick your habit.

“There are many ways that people can decrease their risk for heart disease,” said Jim Brennan, CEO of Medvest, LLC, which develops Doctors Express sites in New England. “It starts with understanding what risk factors contribute to heart disease. However, many people do not take preventive health measures like scheduling annual checkups with their primary-care physicians to evaluate these concerns.”

Added Medvest President Rick Crews, “we hope that, by raising awareness about blood pressure and cholesterol checks at AFC Doctors Express, people will come in and see if they are at risk at a time that is convenient for them. Then, they can follow up with their primary-care physician if needed.”