February 2018

Stay Healthy                    Stay Current
Stay Informed
Why Exercise is Important for Heart Health   
 
Welcome to February, also known as American Heart Month. During the next 28 days you'll see reminders on television, websites and other media outlets on the importance of heart health. However taking care of your heart is something we all must do every day.  
Everyone knows that exercise can have a number of positive benefits for your overall health helping to increase your energy level and dramatically reduce the risk of coronary artery disease. It also helps lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels and aid in weight control. Exercise also appears to give self-esteem a measurable boost, and in general to improve your sense of well-being. 
 
Cardiovascular exercise is important at any age, but especially as we age. Many of the problems commonly associated with aging - increased body fat, decreased muscular strength and flexibility, loss of bone mass, lower metabolism, and slower reaction times - are often signs of inactivity that can be minimized or even prevented by exercise. All this leads to a healthy heart!
 
The American College of Sports Medicine suggests performing aerobic exercise sessions of 15 to 60 minutes a day, three to five days a week. To get the most from aerobic exercise, you should exercise at a level of intensity called your training heart rate. The easiest way to compute this is to subtract your age from 220 - that's your maximum heart rate - then take 60 percent and 80 percent of that number. The results are the upper and lower end of your target heart rate zone: while you exercise, your heart rate per minute should fall somewhere between these two numbers. 
 
Remember before you start any exercise program, please consult with your health care provider first. Happy American Heart Month! 
Why Superfoods Are Good for Your Health

You may have heard about them, but do you know what superfoods are and why they are good for your heart and overall health? Superfoods contain nutrients in large doses of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. Eating them may reduce the risk of chronic disease, help lower blood pressure and cholesterol and lower body weight. Now that you know a little bit about them, do you know which foods are superfoods? Tomatoes, blueberries, kale and broccoli are some examples of superfoods that are excellent for your health and don't taste bad either.
 
If you are interested in learning more about healthy nutrition options, visit UM BWMC's Outpatient Dietitian Services website.
Free Blood Pressure Screenings in Harundale February 14 and 28
Blood Pressure Reading
High blood pressure can be harmful to your health, even deadly. It can lead to kidney damage, stroke, heart disease, vision loss and more. UM BWMC offers a free blood pressure screening every second and fourth Wednesday of the month at Harundale Presbyterian Church (Eastway and Guilford Road) from 8:30 a.m. to noon. The dates for February are Wednesday, February 14 and 28 and no reservations are required.
American Red Cross Blood Drive is February 16

During the winter months, blood supplies are usually at their lowest - but you can help! UM BWMC is hosting an American Red Cross blood drive on Friday, February 16 from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the Dr. Constantine Padussis Conference Room. To give blood donors must be healthy, at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and not have donated blood in the last 56 days or double red cells in the last 112 days. To give, you can register online or call 410-553-8103.
Heartbeat for Health Returns February 10!   
      
Heartbeat for Health, UM BWMC's annual heart health event, will take place Saturday, February 10 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Y in Arnold. This informative and fun-filled event will celebrate the benefits of dance and exercise in the prevention of heart disease, while reinforcing community awareness and education about overall health and wellness. Dance demonstrations will be presented by local dance studios and attendees are encouraged to participate by trying the various dance styles showcased. Free health screenings and educational displays for cancer and heart health will be offered. For more information or to request an event reminder, please visit our website.
Facebook Live: Knowing the Signs of a Heart Attack 
   
      
 
Join UM BWMC Chair of Emergency Medicine Dr. Chirag Chaudhari as he discusses the obvious and not so obvious signs of having a heart attack during a Facebook Live event Thursday, February 8 at 12 p.m. Dr. Chaudhari will take questions from the audience and inform viewers what they need to do if they or someone they know is having a heart attack. To view the event or submit a question, please visit UM BWMC's official Facebook page on February 8.   
Want to Know More?

See a full listing of events and programs by visiting mybwmc.org/community
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For more information, contact the Community Outreach Department at 410-553-8103.