The Blaine County Journal News-Opinion - We've Got The County Covered

It’s Men’s Health Month and Sweet Medical Center is diving into some of the big topics on Men’s Health! This week let’s talk about Heart Disease.

Did you know that Heart Disease is the LEADING cause of death in men! 1 in 4 male deaths to give you the statistics. This is also the leading cause of death for men in most ethnic groups. Between 70-89% of sudden cardiac events occur in men.

There are many areas that put you at risk for heart disease. This includes higher blood pressure, a high LDL cholesterol level on your fasting lipid panel and smoking. Those with additional medical conditions such as diabetes, obesity, alcoholism and inability of increased physical activity are at a higher risk for heart disease.

Don’t worry there are many things that you can do to prevent heart disease!

• Start monitoring your blood pressure at home, notify your provider if you are seeing consistently higher readings

• Make sure to schedule your annual wellness exams with fasting labs

• Make sure to follow-up every 6 months if you have hypertension (high blood pressure)

Cut the bad habits of smoking, drinking and excessive indulging in high sugar beverages and snacks

• Make sure to be active for a minimum of 30 minutes a day, this can be broken up throughout the day as needed!

Contact Sweet Medical Center today at 357-2294 to schedule your annual wellness exam or your 6 month hypertension visit. Don’t let heart disease become your statistic!