45°
The Westport Weston Family Y is continuing heart health awareness programs throughout February, culminating on Feb. 28 when members and volunteers will wear red. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States, contributing to about 600,000 deaths each year, according to the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
"As a leading nonprofit for healthy living, the Y is committed to improving the nation’s health and well-being," representatives said. "Through proven disease prevention programs and initiatives to improve cardiovascular health, the Y is helping decrease the number of people diagnosed with or at risk of developing serious health issues like heart disease."
The Y is partnering with other organizations to promote health and well-being through initiatives such as the National Wear Red Day, an American Heart Association campaign to help fight heart disease.
On Feb. 28, the Family Y will encourage its members to wear red, raise their voices, know their cardiovascular risk and take action to live longer, healthier lives, representatives said. Clinicians from Norwalk Hospital will offer blood pressure screenings in the Pool Lobby, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Feb. 28. Representatives from the Connecticut Health Education Network will also be on hand with information and tips on heart health.
The Westport Weston Family Y is offering the following heart-health tips:
- Be physically active for at least 150 minutes a week to help maintain a healthy weight and lower cholesterol and blood pressure.
- Decrease the amount of salt in your diet. Eat fresh and frozen fruit and vegetables and read nutrition labels. Dietary guidelines recommend Americans limit their sodium intake to less than 2,300 mg per day.
- Monitor your blood pressure and take medications prescribed by your doctor to keep blood pressure at a healthy level.
- Don’t smoke. Using tobacco greatly increases the risk for heart disease.
For more information about the Westport Weston Family Y’s Wellness programs and its community support, residents can visit the Y's website or call 203-226-8981.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Westport and receive free news updates.
