Top three causes of death (Part One)

Years come and go. Every year we get older, for most of us, we get weaker as well.

As the baby boom generation started to hit 65, and with many following closely behind, it is apparent that we need to start getting healthy and improve our lifestyle. According to the CDC, in 2007 the top three most common causes of death were heart disease, cancer and stroke (cerebrovascular diseases). For most years, the CDC polls show the same results. The sad part about this is that two out of the three causes of death is 100% preventable. Sadly, depending on the type of cancer, there might not be much one can do to prevent it. However, we will discuss all three topics as a three part series. In this part we will discuss heart disease.

What is Heart Disease – According to Merriam-Webster dictionary it is an abnormal organic condition of the heart or of the heart and circulation.

They can include:

• Coronary artery disease (including heart attack)
• Abnormal heart rhythms or arrhythmias
• Heart failure
• Heart valve disease
• Congenital heart disease
• Heart muscle disease (cardiomyopathy)
• Pericardial disease
• Aorta disease and Marfan syndrome
• Vascular disease (blood vessel disease)

How to prevent heart disease – According to the Mayo Clinic:

• Don’t smoke or use tobacco – Smoking or using tobacco is one of the most significant risk factors for developing heart disease. Chemicals in tobacco can damage your heart and blood vessels. Therefore, the nicotine in cigarette smoke makes your heart work harder by narrowing your blood vessels and increasing your heart rate and blood pressure. Carbon monoxide in cigarette smoke replaces some of the oxygen in your blood. This increases your blood pressure by forcing your heart to work harder to supply enough oxygen.
• Exercise for 30 minutes on most days of the week – Physical activity helps you control your weight and can reduce your chances of developing other conditions that may put a strain on your heart, such as: high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. It also reduces stress, which may be a factor in heart disease.
• Eat a heart-healthy diet – Eating a special diet called the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) eating plan can help protect your heart. Following the DASH diet means eating foods that are low in fat, cholesterol and salt. The diet is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy products, which can help protect your heart.
• Maintain a healthy weight – As you put on weight in adulthood, your weight gain is mostly fat rather than muscle. One way to see if your weight is healthy is to calculate your body mass index (BMI), which considers your height and weight in determining whether you have a healthy or unhealthy percentage of body fat. BMI numbers 25 and higher are associated with higher blood fats, higher blood pressure, and an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. Even a small weight loss can be beneficial. Reducing your weight by just 10 percent can decrease your blood pressure, lower your blood cholesterol level and reduce your risk of diabetes.
• Get regular health screenings – High blood pressure and high cholesterol can damage your heart and blood vessels. But without testing for them, you probably won't know whether you have these conditions. Regular screening can tell you what your numbers are and whether you need to take action.

While this advice would work to help you from having heart issues, there is no better advice than listening to your primary care physician. Eespecially if you keep a regular doctor that has known you over the years and all your medical conditions as they have occurred. 

At First Care of New York, we continuously strive to improve the lives of all our clients by mending the sick hearts of many with the loving hearts of our certified home health aides. We are always committed to providing the best home care services possible. We understand the delicacies that come with our clients and their health conditions.  We understand that they want to continue to live freely, independently and with the same energy and fervor that makes them happy.  We at First Care understand that the ability to continue to perform their daily activities is important, whether it be in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan or Queens areas. You can count on First Care of New York to be available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, for any and all Live in Care, Personal Care, Home Health and Companionship. For your convenience, we may even schedule a nurse to visit you or your loved one’s home and evaluate the level of care that is needed. This will help clarify some questions you or your loved one may have. First Care is a licensed home care service agency that provides top quality aides to all our clients. We are regulated by the NYS Department of Health and are accredited by The Joint Commission. If you would like to have more information, please feel free to contact us by phone at 718-741-5950 or on our website at www.1st-care.org.