In February, we see hearts.
I wondered, pondered, and did think,
about how Heart Month did start,
related to our heart structure link.
Your heart is your home, pumping so wise.
Amazing organ, a simple surprise.
Keeping it simple, having some fun.
Learning from Dr Marlene, Simply Heart 101.
American Heart Association initiated Heart Month, to bring awareness to the public about heart disease. Heart disease is very common. Heart disease is the number 1 killer for both men and women in the United States. Heart disease, in many cases, is preventable. Life’s Essential 8 are the key measures for improving and maintaining heart health, as defined by the American Heart Association. Better heart health helps lower the risk for heart disease, stroke, and other major health problems.
Life’s Essential 8 include health behavior and health factors to decrease heart disease.
1. Eat Better
2. Be More Active (move and exercise)
3. Quit Tobacco
4. Get Healthy Sleep
5. Manage Weight
6. Control Cholesterol
7. Manage Blood Sugar
8. Manage Blood Pressure
Learning about heart anatomy also helps in the understanding of heart disease. Here is a comparison of the parts of the heart to the structure of a house.
Heart muscle is the wall
Heart valves are the doors
Heartbeat is the electricity and wiring
Coronary Arteries are the pipes of the plumping
Blood is the water in the pipes
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Blood flows in heart chambers
Heart valve
Heartbeat Heart muscle
Coronary
Arteries
Reference:
American Health Association, (2022), Life’s Essential 8,
https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-lifestyle/lifes-essential-8
