Today, February 6 is National Wear Red day to support women’s heart health. 1 in 3 women die of heart disease and stroke each year, but according to the American Heart Association, 80 percent of cardiac events can be prevented through education and lifestyles changes.
Senior Financial Group spent the morning at Strang Senior Center celebrating the importance of healthy hearts in red attire. We are all dedicated to helping our community be more educated and aware, and to support the every day changes necessary to continue to lead healthier lives. As always, it’s exciting to share in this dedication to good health with others in the Knoxville area.
  It’s important to know what role Medicare plays in relation to heart health. Once a year, Medicare covers one visit with your primary care doctor to help you lower your risk for cardiovascular disease. During this visit, your doctor will check your blood pressure, discuss aspirin use, and give you tips on eating better. Anyone with Medicare is covered for this yearly visit.
  Additionally, every 5 years, Medicare Part B covers screening blood tests for cholesterol, lipid, and triglyceride levels, which help detect conditions that may lead to a heart attack or stroke. Everyone with Medicare Part B is covered for free.
There are more than a few ways to change your unhealthy daily habits to reduce your risk of heart disease. It’s better to take control of your heart health ahead of time, so setting goals for yourself is crucial. Sharing your goals with your family and friends can also help keep you motivated and supported on your journey to better health.
Women Heart, the National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease, gives a few heart health tips that can change your life:
- Commit to eating a heart healthy diet. Low-fat diet, lower salt intake, etc.
- Step it up. Increase your daily exercise levels. Like the folks staying active at Strang Senior Center.
- Watch your weight. Losing weight can help reduce cardiovascular risks through controlling BP, cholesterol levels, and diabetes.
- Stop smoking and avoid second hand smoke. Smokers have tendencies toward blood clots and high BP.
- Reduce stress. Exercise helps this, too!
If you have any questions or concerns about your heart health and how Medicare can help you get and stay healthy, call our Benefit Specialists at (865) 777-0153. Also, to read more about women’s heart health, visit http://womenheart.site-ym.com/?page=Support_ManagingHD.