It is no surprise that at Superior Foot & Ankle Care Center we care about feet, but another health concern we hold close to our hearts is heart disease. That is why our team took their feet to the pavement and eagerly participated in the 2015 Orange County Heart and Stroke Walk. This event strove to raise money and awareness for the severity of cardiovascular disease for medical research and for methods of prevention.

You aren’t alone if you didn’t realize the seriousness of this condition, but here are some important facts about heart disease that reveal exactly how concerning it can be.

Facing the Facts about Heart Disease

According to the American Heart Association:

• Heart Disease is the leading cause of death
• Over 375,000 U.S. citizens die from heart disease
• No. 1 cause of death in women
• Every 43 seconds, someone in America is affected by heart disease
• About 635,000 people a year have their first heart attack

Prevention Intervention

These statistics are no doubt alarming to say the least. So, what are a few steps you can take to help prevent heart disease?

Whether you are taking part in a Heart Walk or playing soccer or working out at the gym, physical activity is one important factor in reducing the risk of this disease. Exercising 30 minutes or more a day can manage your body weight and help eliminate conditions such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure that put stress on the heart.

Hand in hand with exercise, is the factor of maintaining a healthy diet. Heart healthy foods like beans, grains, fruits and vegetables are excellent choices. However, foods that are deep-fried or loaded with trans and saturated fats are unnatural and unhealthy. They can increase your cholesterol as well as your chances for a heart attack. Eliminating these food choices from your diet and other health-risks like tobacco, are great ways to prevent heart disease.

Healthy Heart & Happy Feet

These were just a few steps to take to keep your heart healthy. If those steps have literally left you with foot issues or if you are interested in participating in a Heart Walk with us in the future, please contact our foot and ankle care center. We are eager to help you follow the road to better health.