Page 32 - February 2024 Issue.indd

Tips, Classes and
H ealth C orner Programs to help

you live healthier!

(body mass index) measured and fresh fruits and vegetables and fewer
your A1C blood test to check for processed foods.
pre-diabetes/diabetes. Take any
• Eating lots of foods high in
medications as directed.
saturated fat and trans fat may
February is Heart Health contribute to heart disease.

The Eastern Shore Area Health
Awareness Month
Education Center (ESAHEC) is • Eating foods high in fi ber and
off ering Th e National Diabetes low in saturated fats, trans fat,
By Leigh Marquess, RN
Prevention Program (NDPP). This is a and cholesterol can help prevent

Wellness Promotions, Caroline
virtual program. Later this winter they high cholesterol.
County Health Department
will also be able to refer you to an in-
• Limiting salt (sodium) in your
Heart disease remains the leading person program in your community. diet can also lower your blood
cause of death for men and women in Stay tuned! To learn more or to register pressure.
the USA. contact them at 410-221-2600 or
esahec.org. • Limiting sugar in your diet can
Key Risk Factors for Heart Disease lower your blood sugar level to
include (account for half of the risk Add exercise to your life. Physical prevent or help control diabetes.
factors): activity can help you maintain a healthy • Do not drink too much alcohol,
weight and lower your blood pressure,
• High blood pressure which can raise your blood
blood cholesterol, and blood sugar pressure. Men should have no
• High cholesterol levels. For adults, the Surgeon General
more than two drinks per day,
• Smoking recommends 2 hours and 30 minutes and women no more than one
of moderate-intensity exercise, like drink per day.
Other Risk Factors include: brisk walking or bicycling, every week.
Children and adolescents should get Quit tobacco use and Vaping:
• Diabetes, obesity, unhealthy
one hour of physical activity every day. Smoking and second hand smoke
diet, physical inactivity,
Before starting an exercise program have long been known to be bad for
excessive alcohol use.
talk with your doctor about exercising. our health. A lot of people who smoke
The CDC has several recommendations Visit our two state parks (Martinak and have tried many, many times to quit

to follow in order to help us all achieve Tuckahoe) and join in their Healthy with little success. The Maryland Quit
good heart health: Parks/Healthy People Program. Line is here to help. Th ey provide
free Nicotine Replacement Patches
Know your numbers! Talk with your Develop Healthy Eating Habits- and Counseling at no cost! Call
doctor about your heart health. Have Choose healthy meals and snacks 1-800-QUIT-NOW. Th e Caroline
your blood pressure and cholesterol to help prevent heart disease and its County Health Department can
checked routinely. Have your BMI complications. Be sure to eat plenty of provide a referral to the Maryland
Quit Line to help get you started. For
more information about our program,
EXAMS & CERTIFICATES call 410-479-8080.
• Truck/Bus Drivers

• Basic Med for Pilots The Million Hearts website is a great
website to log onto for tips on good
• Coast Guard for Boaters

heart health. The website includes
• Pre-Op for Upcoming Surgery a section on My Personal Health
Board Certified Progress which gives you tips for Goal
setting.
Occupational Medicine
For more information on the above
C.E. Jensen, MD
topics, visit the following websites:
Denton, MD 410-924-8560 www.cdc.gov
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