1 2 3 Quit smoking. It might sound like a mammoth task, but discuss this with your GP; there are therapies and support available that can help you quit. 4 5 6 Look after your mental health. Depression has been linked to heart disease so it’s important to treat this symptom as seriously as any physical manifestation. Talk to your doctor if you are concerned about depression, and they can work out a treatment plan for you and refer you on to a mental health professional. Get a blood test to check for diabetes. Apart from this being a risk for coronary heart disease, diabetes can lead to lots of other health complications, so you want to identify this and manage it accordingly. Have your blood pressure checked. You want this level to be below 130/80mmHg. WOMEN'S HEALTH Check your cholesterol levels. Your GP can do this with a simple blood test. To be in the safe zone, you want to aim for a low LDL (bad cholesterol) and a high HDL (good cholesterol). Get active! Activity can greatly decrease your risk of contracting the disease. Speak with your GP before starting an exercise plan to ensure that it’s right for you. Start with a little activity and build up, aiming for 30 minutes a day of moderate activity five days a week, or 25 minutes of vigorous activity three days a week. Add muscle strengthening two days a week and you’ve got a strong routine to help you stay well. Achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Check your waist measurement and BMI with your doctor. Enjoy a variety of delicious foods, ensuring the majority of your intake has nutritional value. Limit alcohol to two standard drinks a day. * As well as being under-recognised in women, coronary heart disease may also be under-treated. Make sure to talk with your doctor about your treatment plan regularly to make sure you’re on all the appropriate medications. 7 pindaramagazine.com.au Pindara Magazine 47
Pindara Private Hospital Magazine - Issue Seven
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