Be heart smart
HEART disease is the number one cause of death in Jamaica. As such, the Heart Foundation of Jamaica will host its Go Red for Women Week from May 9-15, and has charged that on May 15 people across Jamaica should wear red to show their support for the Go Red for Women campaign that aims to increase awareness about heart disease.
On that day people are also invited to send photos of themselves, friends, family and co-workers who dress in red to events@heartfoundationja.org and from there their pictures will be posted to the foundation’s website, Facebook page and notice boards. People are also being invited to use the social media handles ascribed to each network when posting pictures. They include Facebook — @heartfoundationja, Instagram — @heartfoundationja and Twitter — @heartjamaica.
Heart disease describes a range of conditions that affect your heart. Diseases under the heart disease umbrella include blood vessel diseases, such as coronary artery disease; heart rhythm problems (arrhythmias); and heart defects you’re born with (congenital heart defects), among others.
There are several lifestyle changes you should make to reduce your risk. Quit or don’t start smoking; exercise 30 to 60 minutes a day on most days of the week, or 60 to 90 minutes if you need to lose weight; maintain a healthy weight and eat a diet that’s low in saturated fat, cholesterol and salt.
