Heart Week
This week, from 3rd to 9th May, is Heart Week!
Engagement between health service providers and the general public has never been more important. The COVID-19 pandemic has had indirect consequences on the health of many through a reduction in routine health checks. Now is the time to reconnect with local services and have that all-important conversation around heart health.
According to the National Heart Foundation, more than one in four deaths and over 1,600 daily hospitalisations are caused by cardiovascular (heart) disease. In addition, two-thirds of Australians are currently living with at least three risk factors for the disease. These include high cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes. Seeing a doctor for a heart health check will not only give people an understanding of their risks but will also guide them to further support if needed.
Some examples of the support available are the Cardiac Rehabilitation and Heart Failure programs at Swan Hill District Health (SHDH), pictured below. These programs are for members of the community who have had a cardiac event (e.g. heart attack) or have experienced heart failure, respectively. Sessions run over eight weeks and involve exercise and education on various topics. Participants receive support from a range of health professionals including a Cardiac Nurse, Exercise Physiologist, Dietitian, Occupational Therapist, Counsellor and Pharmacist.
It is important to remember that awareness of heart health is not only essential for those with cardiovascular disease. We can keep our hearts healthy and strong with a few lifestyle changes – for example, through our diet. Dietitian Olivia Millett from SHDH has the following tips:
With the colder months ahead, keep yourself warm with a bowl of porridge. Oats are a great source of soluble fibre, which helps to lower cholesterol.
Cut back on red meat and aim to have 2-3 serves of fish per week. Fish are a great source of omega 3s which are essential for heart health.
Include a handful (30g) of unsalted nuts each day. They are a good source of unsaturated healthy fats. Try sprinkling nuts or seeds on your salad for an added bit of crunch!
Cut back on saturated fat by swapping butter for a healthy spread such as margarine (olive, canola, sunflower), avocado or a nut butter.
Stock your pantry with healthy oils such as extra virgin olive, peanut, sunflower, avocado, sesame or canola oil.
Watch your salt (sodium) intake which is known to increase blood pressure. Most of the sodium we eat comes from packaged foods so have a look at the label next time you do the grocery shopping. Aim for less than 400mg of sodium per 100g, but less than 120mg per 100g is best!
For more information on the Cardiac Rehabilitation and Heart Failure programs, please contact the SHDH Community Rehabilitation Centre on (03) 5033 9321. For more information on the SHDH Dietetics service, please contact (03) 5033 9337.
To learn more about heart health go to the following website: https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/
or view this link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dHGI9O6m3B0