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Heart Health

You don’t have to be a health and fitness expert to live a healthier life. You have the power to learn more and make the choices that are best for you and your schedule. Try simple things like a healthier snack, getting in a few extra steps, or learning more about healthy blood pressure numbers – your heart is
counting on you.

Know Your Numbers

Normal Blood Pressure - 120 systolic over 80 diastolic (120/80 mmHg) or lower. Hypertension/High Blood Pressure – Regular blood pressure readings of 130-139/80-89 mmHg.

People living with high blood pressure should consider participating in a Self-Measured Blood Pressure (SMBP) monitoring program to help better manage their blood pressure. Talk to your doctor, pharmacist or insurance company about SMBP programs near you. View more information on SMBP.

Cholesterol: There are two types of blood cholesterol. Low density lipoproteins (LDL) are the bad type. High density lipoproteins (HDL) are the good type. Too much of the bad (LDL) type can cause heart problems. Good (HDL) cholesterol helps lower your risk for heart disease. Your HDL number should be high and LDL number should be low. Your health care provider can test your numbers, and living a healthy, active lifestyle can help keep your cholesterol in check!

Get Regular Checkups

Most people might not know they have heart disease. Talking to your health care provider about your risks and getting annual checkups are helpful prevention and early detection efforts – no matter your age.

Know Your Risk Factors:

There are many factors that can lead to heart disease:

  • Family history of heart disease
  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol
  • Tobacco use
  • Diabetes
  • Being overweight or obese
  • Following an unhealthy diet
  • Physically inactive

Physical Activity

Every step, kick, move or swing counts when it comes to taking care of your heart!

Adults should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity a week and at least two days of muscle-strengthening activity a week. Below are helpful resources to find more ways to get moving:

Healthy Eating

Healthy Eating Healthy eating plays a big role in overall health, and you don’t have to be an expert in the kitchen to fuel your body with nutritious foods. Below are resources about healthy eating, so you can make every bite count.

Other Habits

There are other ways to improve your heart health besides regular exercise and healthy eating.

Sleep – Studies show your sleep can influence eating habits, organ functions, and more. Find more sleep-and-health-connection resources from the American Heart Association.

Stress and Mental Health - Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being, and it can have an impact on our overall health if not managed well. Here are some helpful resources:

Quit Smoking Tobacco - Quitting smoking is one of the most important actions that people who smoke can do to lower their risk for heart disease. Find resources from the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline to help support the journey to quit smoking.

Heart Healthy Opportunities in Your Community

McIntosh County OSU Extension - enrollment begins January 6, 2025.
Program Facilitator Contact Information:

Beckham County Health Department - enrollment is now open!
Program Facilitator Contact Information:

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